51爆料

December 11, 2025

Statement in Response to the Indictment of a University Faculty Member

National University Corporation, 51爆料

On December 10, 2025, a faculty member engaged in clinical practice, research, education, and other activities (hereinafter referred to as “the faculty member”) at the University of Tokyo Hospital (hereinafter referred to as “the Hospital”) was indicted on a bribery charge. We sincerely apologize to our students and patients, to all those affiliated with the University of Tokyo, and to everyone who has supported us, for the considerable concern and distress resulting from this incident.

Considering the gravity of the current case, we have commissioned an external legal team to conduct an investigation from an impartial standpoint, which is underway. The following is a summary of what we currently know about the case and the corrective measures the University is considering.

To restore trust, the entire University will work together to implement measures to prevent the recurrence of such a case.

Summary

1. Case Overview

   The faculty member was indicted on a bribery charge for the act of receiving a scholarship donation from a medical supplies company (hereinafter referred to as “the company”) in return for the favor of selecting medical supplies that the faculty member was going to use for surgeries to be performed at the Hospital, which was deemed as constituting a bribe.

   The following is the summary of the case as ascertained through the investigation conducted by the external legal team. The University will refrain from making any judgment on the bribery charge, which we defer to the judiciary to determine.

   • At the Hospital, all medical supplies used for surgeries are required to undergo a review and be approved and registered by the special committee for review of medical supplies. The said faculty member submitted a registration application for medical supplies manufactured by the company (hereinafter referred to as “said medical supplies”), which were registered after the committee deliberated their usefulness as medical supplies, reasonableness of their pricing, and other factors.
   • On the other hand, after the said medical supplies were registered and the University received the scholarship donation with the faculty member designated as the user by the company, the faculty member misappropriated the funds for personal use by purchasing tablet devices and other items for use by relatives.
   • At the faculty member’s request, the amount misappropriated for personal use as determined by the University has subsequently been repaid.
   • The faculty member has been issued an order to stay at home and has been suspended from clinical practice, research, teaching, and other duties. Following the indictment, we will take measures to place the faculty member on a leave of absence.
2. Corrective Measures to Prevent Recurrence

   Issues related to the acceptance and management of donations and selection of medical supplies at the Hospital will be reviewed by the Reform Committee for the Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and the University of Tokyo Hospital (PDF File: 154KB), established on November 27, 2025, and we plan to formulate and announce fundamental reforms promptly.

   In addition, the following will be implemented as emergency corrective measures preceding the fundamental reforms mentioned above.

   • The University will require faculty and staff to submit a conflict-of-interest statement regarding donors, used for performing checks when reviewing donations.
   • Regarding the management of donations, the University will strengthen its audit systems and methods by introducing and coordinating external audits and other measures with administrative departments of University Headquarters and the Hospital, in addition to the physical inspections the University currently conducts.
   • The University will require physicians who submit the application for registration of medical supplies or other products to provide a conflict-of-interest statement regarding manufacturers and distributors of the products, to ensure transparency in the review process.
3. Clarification of Accountability

   The disciplinary committee is currently proceeding with procedures regarding the said faculty member. The committee will take strict disciplinary action when it reaches a conclusion.

   Considering the gravity of the fact that the faculty member has been indicted, and based on our investigations, we take the oversight responsibilities and accountability of the executive leadership and heads of relevant divisions very seriously. Thus, a portion of executive compensation will be voluntarily returned, as listed below. Furthermore, the president issued a severe reprimand to Masaomi Nangaku, dean of the Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, and Sakae Tanaka, director of the University of Tokyo Hospital.

   • Teruo Fujii, President

     Voluntarily returning 30% of basic monthly executive compensation for one month

   • Hiroaki Aihara, Executive Vice President (management planning, budget allocation, faculty affairs, facilities)

     Voluntarily returning 10% of basic monthly executive compensation for one month

   • Nobuhito Saito, Executive Vice President (research, disciplinary action, Hospital)

     Voluntarily returning 10% of basic monthly executive compensation for one month