Born in Hiroshima in 1953. While working as the executive director of a law firm, Watanabe became involved in civic activities such as community development, international cooperation activities, peace education, and peace culture exchange. Since establishing ANT-Hiroshima in 1989, she has continued to convey the message of peace from Hiroshima and has also dedicated herself to supporting refugees in Afghanistan and earthquake reconstruction in Pakistan. Watanabe has also conducted unique peace-building activities through international understanding and peace education for Hiroshima citizens, children, and trainees from overseas who visit Hiroshima. She is a board member of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and the Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.