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University of Tokyo Apologizes After Professor’s Bribery Arrest, Vows Reforms

The university promised reforms following an internal review that detailed industry-funded perks provided to medical faculty from 2023 to 2024.

Overview

  • President Teruo Fujii issued a public apology on Jan. 28 after dermatology professor Shinichi Sato was arrested last week on bribery allegations.
  • Police suspect Sato accepted expensive meals, outings to hostess clubs and sexual services at soapland establishments in exchange for influence.
  • A lawyer’s probe commissioned by the university found benefits flowed from February 2023 to September 2024, including luxury entertainment and sexual services.
  • Tokyo prosecutors are investigating a former associate dermatology professor who worked with Sato and has since left the university.
  • Sato is suspected of receiving favors from a group exploring CBD-based skin products, and the firm’s head later sought police help over an alleged extortion attempt, according to Asahi Shimbun reporting.