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University of Tokyo presidential selection controversy

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2026-10-20 15:03 UTC → 2026-10-22 09:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The University of Tokyo has selected Professor Yuko Fujigaki of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as its next president. Her six-year term is set to begin in April 2027, making her the first woman to hold the position in the institution’s history since its founding in 1877. The selection has generated controversy because Fujigaki did not receive the most votes in the internal faculty and staff poll. In the second round of voting, Takao Someya secured 51.0% of the ~~votes,~~ votes (1,107 votes), while Fujigaki received ~~25.5%.~~ 25.5% (553 votes). The President Selection and Inspection Committee stated that the final decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of voting results, candidate materials, recommendation letters, and interviews, rather than the vote alone. The committee specifically cited Fujigaki’s abilities in interdisciplinary integration, communication, and international experience as key factors. In October 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology formally requested that the university review the selection process. This marks the first time the ministry has issued such a request to a university. Education Minister Yoshihiro Seki criticized the university’s previous responses as being “limited to a superficial explanation” and noted a failure to fully disclose the evaluation of each candidate. The ministry emphasized that selection processes must be based on objective facts and avoid unverified or non-public information. In response, the university stated it intends to conduct a verification of the process through its management policy meeting and auditors.

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