In the latest episode of the podcast 'News no Butaiura' (Backstage of News), TBS cameraman Takuya Watanabe shares a deeply personal and emotional account of reporting from conflict zones. This second part of the two-part series focuses on his experiences in Bucha, Ukraine—where a civilian massacre occurred—and in Gaza, just before Israeli attacks.
Watanabe describes the scene in Bucha, where evidence of mass killings left him in tears. He also recounts the tense atmosphere in Gaza, capturing the lives of children and families on the brink of destruction. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the psychological toll on journalists who document war firsthand.
"The moment I saw the bodies, I couldn't hold back my tears. That's the reality we face."
The podcast, hosted by TBS NEWS DIG, invites listeners to explore the untold stories of war reporting. Links to related videos featuring Watanabe's footage from Ukraine and Gaza are included in the show notes.