University of Tokyo Names First Female President

Sep 29, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The University of Tokyo has selected professor Yuko Fujigaki, 64, as its next president, making her the first woman to lead Japan's most prestigious university.

Fujigaki, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, will succeed current President Teruo Fujii. Her six-year term will begin in April 2027.

"I want to return to the fundamental question of what a university is and fulfill the University of Tokyo's role as a symbol of the academic community in Japan and around the world," Fujigaki said following the announcement.

Fujigaki placed second in an internal university vote, but was ultimately chosen by a selection council made up of experts from inside and outside the university.

The council said Fujigaki had "sufficient ability to bring about reforms toward a more open university," according to the university.

Her appointment marks the first time a woman has been selected as president of the University of Tokyo.

Source: TBS

More Snow and Freezing Temperatures Blast Hokkaido

Hokkaido is facing another day of heavy snow, freezing temperatures and strong winds on Tuesday, November 10, as midwinter-like cold air sweeps across northern Japan, with snowfall of up to 30 centimeters forecast in some areas and blizzard conditions threatening to disrupt transportation. As of 6 a.m. on November 10, snow advisories remained in effect for parts of Hokkaido, including Sapporo, where a heavy snow advisory was scheduled to remain in place until 9 a.m.

Typhoon No. 32 Approaches Japan Islands With Strong Winds and High Waves

As of 3 a.m. on November 10, Typhoon No. 32 was moving northeast over waters south of Japan, with the powerful storm expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands late Tuesday through Wednesday morning, November 11, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and waves exceeding 6 meters in some areas.

270-Kilogram Bear Killed in Hokkaido After Repeated Farm Attacks

A male bear weighing approximately 270 kilograms was killed by hunters in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, on November 8th after being caught in a box trap, with local hunters suspecting it was responsible for a series of attacks on a nearby poultry farm that left more than 100 chickens and ducks dead since August.

Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Shakes Central Japan

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early on November 8th, registering an upper 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in Aichi Prefecture and injuring at least 21 people, while damaging buildings and disrupting Shinkansen and conventional railway services across the region.

Railways Reopen Following Aichi Earthquake

The Tokaido Shinkansen resumed normal-speed operations across its entire route at 8:57 a.m. on November 8th after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake disrupted rail services across central Japan, with JR Central reporting delays to 29 bullet trains affecting approximately 17,000 passengers, while Meitetsu restored services across its entire network by 9:15 a.m. following widespread morning suspensions.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

'World Capital of Models' Teaches Students Using Plastic

Shizuoka City, which promotes itself as the "World Capital of Models," is using plastic model kits as teaching materials in junior high schools, hoping to cultivate future leaders in the model industry.

Dopagaki Makes Japan's 2026 Buzzword Shortlist

A Japanese slang term describing children hooked on the instant stimulation of short videos and social media has been nominated for the country's 2026 New Words and Buzzwords Awards, highlighting growing concerns about declining attention spans and the pressure to consume digital content at ever-increasing speeds.

Japan’s Delivery Rooms Are Among the World's Safest

Delivery rooms in Japan are some of the safest with fewer than two infant deaths per 1,000 births. As a result, many families may assume that complications during delivery are unlikely to happen to them.

Why Tech Employers Promote Mindfulness When Why Self-Care Doesn't Fix Burnout Requires Actual Schedule Reductions

Late-night Slack pings, back-to-back video calls, and relentless release cycles have become routine for many working in technology. Employees are often handed access to meditation apps, yoga classes, or lunchtime breathing sessions as a way to “beat burnout.”

Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List

Japanese calligraphy is set to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list after an evaluation body recommended its registration on November 5th, paving the way for the traditional art form to become Japan's 24th entry and its first since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024.

Okinawa Kids Munch on Traditional Sweets

A long-established tofu shop in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, provided traditional Japanese sweets made from tofu byproducts to elementary and junior high school students on November 2nd to celebrate the completion of Shuri Castle's restored main hall.

Two Barriers Stand Between Depression and Treatment in Japan

Most conversations about depression care in Japan stop at stigma. That's a real barrier, and it keeps a great many people from ever naming what they're experiencing, let alone booking an appointment. But there's a second barrier, and it sits on the other side of the door.

Historic Temples and Shrines Offer Rare Access to Sacred Sites

Shrines and temples across Kyoto are offering visitors rare access to normally restricted sacred areas and valuable cultural treasures, including historic documents connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful 16th-century warlord who helped unify Japan.

< 2 3 4 5 >