Statement from the President on the Arrest of a Faculty Member

January 25, 2026

Yesterday (January 24), Professor Shinichi Sato of the Graduate School of Medicine was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes. I deeply apologize for the trouble and concern this has caused our students, patients, and all others affected.

Faculty and staff of national universities are expected not only to comply with the law but also to maintain the highest level of ethical consciousness. The repeated arrests of faculty members are therefore a source of profound anguish. Such conduct is utterly inexcusable and deeply regrettable. We regard this matter with the utmost gravity and will respond with full rigor.

The university has been conducting its own independent investigation, but we deeply regret that we failed to provide adequate disclosure and explanation regarding the circumstances of this case, our responses, and any disciplinary measures taken.

Our investigation into the facts and underlying causes has revealed specific deficiencies. These include gaps in compliance awareness among faculty and staff, weaknesses in oversight mechanisms for the acceptance and use of private-sector funding, and shortcomings in the organizational culture needed to prevent misconduct and identify problems early. The university will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. We will also pursue, with unwavering resolve, the organizational reforms and preventive measures we have already begun developing.

Once again, I offer my heartfelt apologies to all those who have been affected by this matter.

Teruo Fujii
President, The University of Tokyo