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The aim of this paper is to analyse the changing relationship between press writers and their companies in Japan by focusing on the practice of article byline in two national newspapers. Using ethnographic observations, interviews and archive data analysis, we first show why the gradual generalization of this practice from the 1990s has been presented as a new editorial strategy and how it is also linked to the adoption of new managerial standards by news organizations. The difficulties faced by some reporters in adapting to this new individualization of work also suggest increased tensions with the strong industrial logic, which continues to structure Japanese journalism. Last, the use of byline by journalists who have experienced external mobility during their careers shows the diversification of career trends in a context of uncertain future for traditional print-based medias.