Issue:
November 2026 | Obituary
The foreign media community mourns the passing of veteran journalist Anthony Rowley
Anthony Rowley, a distinguished author and journalist who defined his career by chasing breaking news, delivered his final headline when he suddenly passed away while hospitalized. Even in his final days, he was immersed in the pursuit of breaking news, preparing his latest story and completing his final edit before departing for a better place. He was 87.
Anthony was a true gentleman and a steadfast friend whose presence anchored our community. For 20 years, my Friday nights were sacred, reserved for a circle of friends centered around Anthony.
I recall the regular phone calls, where he would simply ask, “I am here, coming to the Club. Are you coming?” It was an invitation I could never refuse. Even my own family and friends knew better than to schedule anything on a Friday night, as that time belonged to our group and to Anthony. He was the heart of those gatherings, a tradition that began two decades ago at the old Club.
Beyond the headlines and the pursuit of truth, Anthony understood the true soul of this institution. Our bylaws speak of making news, but they also hold a sacred paragraph dedicated to “making friends.” Anthony lived this truth every day. I have come to realize that this is the most vital mission of our Club — to forge bonds that transcend borders and professions. In a world that often feels divided, Anthony showed us that the most enduring legacy we leave behind is the friendships we cultivate.
Even in the arena of Club politics, Anthony was a man of rare character. We ran for elections together many times, yet he held a disdain for the theatrics of campaigning. We often lost, but he never let defeat sour his spirit or breed resentment. When I faced the bitter sting of an election loss, it was Anthony who reached out, urging me to stay involved and reminding me that our value to the Club was not defined by a title. He taught me that the work itself — the service to the Club — was the true reward, regardless of the outcome.
He remained a tireless correspondent until his final breath, never wavering in his duty to pose the tough, necessary questions that cut through to the truth. His devotion to this Club transcended his own personal interests; he lived for this organization. When he fell ill, I held onto the desperate hope that he would defy the odds and edit the finality of death itself, but that was not to be. The void he leaves behind is profound. Our Club is diminished without his spirit, his guidance, and the professional warmth he brought to our daily lives. He held a deep, abiding love for Japan. While he was a sharp critic of policy, his critiques were born of a desire for the country to thrive, never from malice. His dedication to our Club was an extension of his love for this nation, a home he chose and cherished. Japan has lost a titan of journalism, a voice of news that was always balanced, fair and real.
Anthony Rowley was born in England in 1939 and studied economics at the University of Birmingham, where he graduated in 1961. He began his journalism career the following year at The Birmingham Post, where he covered everything from the local city hall to military conflict in Borneo centered on the independence of Malaysia. He returned to Southeast Asia in 1976 after working for The Times, and began covering Singapore and Malaysia for The Far Eastern Economic Review; he later served as its London- and Tokyo-based international finance editor until 1993, three years after joining the FCCJ. He then worked for The Business Times of Singapore, Oxford Analytica and The South China Morning Post. He served as FCCJ president from July 2004 to June 2005, and was also vice president, treasurer and kanji.
The FCCJ memorial event was a profound testament to the enduring impact of Anthony Rowley's life and work. General Manager Wayne Hunter, whom Anthony brought back to the FCCJ from the Tokyo American Club, noted Anthony’s instrumental role in the speaker program. Membership and board liaison manager Naomichi Iwamura recalled his demanding 8 a.m. board meetings that required him to wake up at 5 a.m., and his attempt to renew his journalist visa shortly before his passing.
Kyoko Adachi, a longtime Main Bar staff member, recalled Anthony's regular Friday orders of filet mignon and expressed a wish to have a drink with him again in the afterlife. Masa O. Kuryu, a former staff member, recalled Anthony's memorable speech at a retirees' luncheon two years ago and his consistent thoughtfulness towards the staff. Seiji Yoda, a former general manager, remembered Anthony's presidency, during which the Club achieved a 40 million yen surplus, and his dedication to the Deep Dive series.
Anthony's daughter Elizabeth spoke with deep emotion about her father's unwavering dedication to his work, noting that just days before he passed, he was still striving to write his column. She reflected on how much the Club meant to him, describing it as the place where he truly found himself and where he considered everyone present to be his family. She joked that he was likely the last person in the Western world not to own a pair of jeans. She asked the community to look after his partner Yukiko and thanked members for caring for her father and for patiently putting up with his high expectations, which were not always easy to meet.
Joan Anderson, an associate member of the Club for nearly 30 years, recalled his integrity and Deep Dive events, specifically mentioning his work on climate issues and autonomous weapons. She also shared fond memories of skiing trips with Anthony.
Board members expressed their deep respect for Anthony's dedication to the Club's governance. Peter Langan, a former president, shared a lighthearted memory of his last conversation with Anthony. He told Anthony about an accident on the golf course where he was hit in the eye by a golf ball. Anthony, impeccably dressed in his usual suit and tie, looked at him with a half-grin and asked, "But Peter, why didn't you duck?" Peter remarked that Anthony never “ducked” any Club responsibility and was a true stalwart. Masayuki Watanabe, a current board member, praised Anthony's mentorship regarding Club finances and his concern for the Club's future, noting that Anthony knew the Club better than it knew itself. Peter Lyon noted that Anthony continued to participate in board meetings even from his hospital bed because he cared deeply about the Club's health and sustainability.
Anthony’s dedication to the Club manifested in a wide array of initiatives that kept the organization vibrant and connected. Beyond his leadership in the Deep Dive series, he was a central figure in the Friday night Benkyokai, a study group that fostered intellectual exchange and deep camaraderie. He was also an advocate for the Club's future, supporting Meet and Greet events designed to bridge the gap between new and established members.
His commitment extended to the Developing Asia Journalist Award, for which he served as a judge and adviser, ensuring the Club maintained its institutional memory and continued to nurture the next generation of journalists. Whether he was organizing speaker programs, managing the PAC program, or simply ensuring the Club's financial health as treasurer, Anthony was the glue that held these diverse activities together.
The memorial concluded with a shared sense of loss but also a commitment to carry on the legacy of the FCCJ, which Anthony Rowley loved so dearly.
Khaldon Azhari is president of PanOrient News and a former president of the FCCJ.
