Japan's education ministry orders review of University of Tokyo president appointment

The University of Tokyo selected Yuko Fujigaki as its next president, even though she placed second in a faculty and staff vote that gave Takao Someya more than double her tally. Education minister Yoshihiro Seki announced that the ministry has requested the university conduct a review of its appointment process, noting that the institution has not clearly detailed how the committee weighed the vote against other factors.

The call follows a petition from university personnel demanding greater transparency. Officials said the vote was only one element among several considerations, but the lack of detail has drawn criticism. Fujigaki, a 64-year-old professor of science and technology studies, will begin a six-year term in April. The ministry expects a comprehensive explanation of the selection method.