University of Tokyo governance scandal prompts call for stricter university governance code

Recent revelations of bribery involving staff at the University of Tokyo Medical School Hospital have intensified scrutiny of university governance in Japan. The incident, disclosed at a press conference on January 28, follows earlier controversies at other institutions, including tax‑evasion and breach‑of‑trust cases at Nihon University and a drug‑use scandal in a university American‑football team.

Experts such as Professor Tetsuo Kitagawa, a specialist in corporate governance, argue that Japanese universities must adopt more transparent and enforceable governance structures. They stress the need for robust controls over research funding, industry collaborations, student affairs, harassment prevention, financial disclosures, and the relationship between boards and academic bodies. The push for a comprehensive university governance code aims to restore public trust and ensure the effective self‑regulation of higher‑education institutions.

The discussion highlights broader challenges facing Japanese universities, such as declining birthrates, reduced public subsidies, and the pressure to maintain high‑quality education and research while preventing misconduct.