{
  "id": 11091018,
  "title": "Japan's top university names its first female president",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/japans-top-university-names-its-first-female-president",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T02:50:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress International",
    "slug": "vnexpress-international",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/education/japan-s-top-university-names-its-first-female-president-5126922.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's prestigious University of Tokyo has appointed its first female president, Prof. Makiko Fujigaki, according to reports on Tuesday. Professor Fujigaki, a scientist and technology expert, expressed hope that her appointment would send a powerful message about gender equality in academia and inspire more women to pursue academic careers. The renowned institution, established in 1877, has faced controversy in recent years, including allegations of corruption. Upon taking office for a six-year term, Professor Fujigaki emphasized the urgent need for reform within the university, stating that it must uphold its role as a symbol of academic excellence for Japan and the world. Last year, the university apologized for the arrest of a medical professor accused of accepting bribes, including lavish meals and visits to adult entertainment venues, from a cosmetics company seeking to leverage the institution's influence. Additionally, a plastic surgeon was arrested in November for allegedly accepting bribes from a medical equipment manufacturer.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "University of Tokyo appoints Prof. Makiko Fujigaki as first female president.",
    "Fujigaki, scientist and technology expert, hopes appointment sends gender equality message.",
    "University faces corruption allegations and apologized for medical professor's arrest."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The appointment of a female president marks a symbolic shift for the University of Tokyo, which has faced controversy and is seeking to reform and uphold its academic excellence and integrity.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}