Japan's top university names its first female president

Japan's top university has appointed scientist Yuko Fujigaki as president, the first woman to lead the prestigious institution in its nearly 150-year history.

Fujigaki, a professor of science and technology at the University of Tokyo, told reporters on Tuesday that her appointment could "send a very strong message to society" and help foster gender equality in academia.

"I hope more women will be encouraged to enroll as students and to aspire to become scholars," she said.

The leading university, founded in 1877, has found itself mired in scandals including graft.

Yuko Fujigaki, University of Tokyo president-elect and professor at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, speaks at a press conference held at the university on Sept. 29, 2026. Photo courtesy of the university

Fujigaki, who is set to serve as president for six years, said there was "an egregious lack" of initiative and sense of urgency in handling the crisis.

"I want to make sure the university will fully fulfill its role as the symbol of academic society both for Japan and the world," she said.

Earlier this year, the university issued an apology over the arrest of a medical professor accused of accepting bribes -- including expensive meals and visits to sex business establishments -- from a cosmetic group that wanted to use the institution's influence in its favor.

That followed the November arrest of a plastic surgeon who allegedly accepted bribes from a medical equipment manufacturer.