University of Tokyo Faces Bribery Scandal Amid Calls for Reform

The University of Tokyo is embroiled in a bribery scandal following the arrest of two medical professors, including Shinichi Sato, who allegedly accepted bribes in the form of expensive meals, entertainment, and sexual services. The arrests have prompted university president Teruo Fuji to issue a public apology and pledge reforms to restore trust in the institution. The Tokyo police arrested Sato on January 28, 2026, as part of an investigation into his dealings with the Japan Cosmetic Association, which sought to conduct joint research on cannabidiol (CBD) for skin products.

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This scandal follows the November 2025 arrest of another plastic surgeon at the university, who was also implicated in accepting bribes from a medical equipment manufacturer. The ongoing investigation has revealed that Sato and a former associate professor engaged in a pattern of accepting lavish entertainment, with expenditures reportedly reaching 850,000 yen in a single day. The total value of the benefits received by the professors is estimated at approximately 4.9 million yen.

Tokyo University Professor Arrested Over Research Scandal

In a news conference, President Teruo Fuji stated, “As an educational and research institution, we have profoundly betrayed the trust of society, and we offer our deepest and most sincere apologies.” He emphasized the need for reforms to prevent future misconduct and acknowledged that the Tokyo prosecutors are investigating a former associate professor linked to the scandal. The university has hired lawyer Tadashi Kunihiro to assist in the internal investigation.

Japan’s top university apologises over bribery scandal

Critics have raised concerns about the integrity of the University of Tokyo, Japan's top educational institution. The repeated incidents of bribery have led to questions about the university's oversight and governance. Some stakeholders argue that the scandal undermines the institution's credibility and calls into question the ethical standards within Japan's academic community.

Japan’s top university apologises over bribery scandal

While the university has acknowledged the misconduct, details regarding the full extent of the bribery and the involvement of other parties remain unclear. Investigators are still probing the relationships between the professors and the Japan Cosmetic Association, as well as the potential impact on ongoing research projects. The timeline of the bribery activities, spanning from February 2023 to September 2024, indicates a prolonged period of unethical conduct that may have affected academic integrity.

Japan’s top university apologises over bribery scandal

• “As an educational and research institution, we have profoundly betrayed the trust of society, and we offer our deepest and most sincere apologies,” — Teruo Fuji, President of the University of Tokyo

Japan’s top university apologises over bribery scandal

The University of Tokyo's response to this scandal will be closely monitored as it seeks to implement reforms and restore its reputation in the wake of these serious allegations.

Japan’s top university apologises over bribery scandal