Japan Education Minister addresses Doshisha subsidy cuts

Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Yoshihiro Seki addressed the reduction of private school subsidies for Doshisha International High School during a press conference on October 13, 2026. The decision follows a fatal accident involving a student during a training trip near Henoko, Okinawa.

Kyoto Prefecture has decided to reduce the school's private school subsidies by 25% for the 2026 fiscal year and is requesting a 50% refund of the 2025 fiscal year subsidies. Minister Seki stated that the specific amount of the reduction is determined by the prefectural government based on local guidelines and the severity of the incident.

Regarding Doshisha University, Seki noted that there are mechanisms to reduce national subsidies for private universities if there are legal violations or improper management. He emphasized that the Ministry will closely monitor the school corporation's governance and management efforts to ensure student learning is not adversely affected.