University of Tokyo responds to faculty inquiries regarding president selection

The University of Tokyo has released a response to a formal inquiry submitted by a group of faculty and staff members regarding the selection process for the university's next president. The inquiry, supported by over 500 staff members, sought clarification on several key aspects of the decision-making process.

In the response, Yuko Kunitani, chair of the President Selection and Inspection Committee, stated that the results of the internal faculty vote served as “one of the important pieces of judgment material.” However, she noted that the extent to which these results influenced individual committee members varied. The selection process ultimately resulted in the appointment of Professor Yuko Fujigaki from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

The committee also addressed questions regarding the evaluation of candidates' views on governance reform and the International Excellence Research University concept. Additionally, the response touched upon how the committee handled information related to a corruption scandal involving an affiliated corporation within the Graduate School of Engineering, noting that the committee reviewed official investigation materials and provided opportunities for candidate explanations during the process.