Makoto Watanabe: From Newspaper to Nonprofit Journalism in Japan

In a bold move, Japanese journalist Makoto Watanabe has transitioned from a major newspaper to establish an investigative nonprofit, Tansa, following a high-profile retraction that changed his career path. Eleven years ago, Watanabe reported on a controversial story regarding the Fukushima nuclear disaster, only for his then-employer, Asahi Shimbun, to retract the scoop amid criticism from both the government and media rivals. This incident galvanized him to create a new model of journalism focused on accountability and the pursuit of truth, free from the constraints of corporate bonds.

Today, as the editor in chief of Tansa, Watanabe leads a small but tenacious team that has already made significant strides. Tansa, which means "in-depth investigation," recently gained attention for uncovering the truth behind years of forced sterilizations of individuals with mental disabilities in Japan. Their findings culminated in a formal government apology and new legislation to offer compensation to victims, marking a significant impact in the media and helping to spark important societal discussions.

Operating out of modest offices in Tokyo, Tansa has grown recognition; even Japan's public broadcaster, NHK, has agreed to utilize some of its content. For Watanabe, who has declined to succumb to the pressures of bigger media outlets, each story is not just another article but an effort to ensure accountability in society and reclaim journalistic integrity in Japan.