A Turbulent Legacy: Scandals That Preceded Hayashi's Tenure

Nihon University, Japan's largest private institution with over 70,000 students across 16 colleges and more than 100 campuses, has long been a powerhouse in higher education. Founded in 1889, it boasts an alumni network exceeding 1.2 million and offers programs in fields ranging from law and economics to bioresource sciences and arts. However, the university entered a dark period leading up to 2022, marked by high-profile scandals that eroded public trust and student interest.

The catalyst was the tax evasion case involving former Chairman Ukiya Tanaka, who concealed approximately 118 million yen in income through kickbacks and unreported funds. Tanaka's abrupt resignation in April 2022 triggered a leadership vacuum and widespread criticism of the university's opaque governance. Compounding this, the American football team faced backlash from a 2018 malicious tackle incident and a 2023 drug scandal where players were found with marijuana and stimulants. These events led to the resignation of the president and vice president, a 50% pay cut for the board chair, and loss of government subsidies.

The scandals caused enrollment capacity to drop to 76.9% in 2024, with applicant numbers plummeting by over 20,000. Nihon University's 'mura shakai'—an insular 'village society' culture— was blamed for suppressing internal reporting and external accountability, prompting urgent calls for reform from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Pioneering Leadership: Mariko Hayashi's Historic Appointment

In July 2022, Nihon University appointed Mariko Hayashi, a celebrated novelist and Naoki Prize winner, as the first female Chairperson of the Board of Trustees in its 133-year history. An alumna of the Faculty of Arts, Hayashi's selection by a committee including external experts was unconventional for a non-academic leader but symbolized a break from tradition. At 68 upon appointment, she vowed to transform the 'macho' organizational culture, declaring her goal to make Nihon University a source of pride with top applicant numbers nationwide.

Hayashi's literary background brought a fresh perspective, emphasizing transparency and student-centric governance. She immediately diversified the 22-member board, elevating women to 40% (9 positions)—a unprecedented move that challenged entrenched male dominance.

Core Reforms: Governance Overhaul and Cultural Shift

Hayashi's reforms targeted the root causes of Nihon University's woes: closed decision-making and lack of accountability. She established the Improvement Reform Conference and a third-party committee to dissect governance failures, submitting detailed plans to MEXT. Key changes included:

• Abolishing the 'ocha kumi' tradition where staff served tea to executives, symbolizing equality.
• Implementing 360-degree evaluations for managers—the first in university history—and internal control training for all staff.
• Launching crisis management and PR workshops, with over 100 participants in administrative training sessions.

By 2024, the Japan University Regeneration Conference was dissolved after achieving initial goals, marking progress in self-correction mechanisms.

Revamping Sports Culture: From Scandal to Structured Oversight

The 2023 football drug incident exposed sports clubs' autonomy issues. Hayashi responded decisively by creating the Competitive Sports Center in April 2024, appointing a professor as director to centralize oversight, education, and support. Regular meetings with coaches and quarterly athlete councils ensured compliance and welfare.

While the football team was disbanded, reforms extended to rugby and other clubs, with external audits and prevention measures. These steps addressed MEXT guidance, restoring subsidy eligibility and rebuilding trust.Nihon University's official sports center announcement details the framework.

Photo by Jakob Rosen on Unsplash

Student-First Initiatives: Boosting Engagement and Image

Hayashi prioritized students, distributing donuts on campuses, hosting celebrity lectures, and featuring idols like Nogizaka46 at entrance ceremonies. These efforts humanized leadership and countered negative publicity. Scholarship enhancements and 'student Q&A' sessions fostered dialogue.

In her second anniversary interview, she reflected on 'draining pus' from scandals while building positivity. By emphasizing teaching priority and welfare, Nihon University shifted from crisis mode to renewal.

Remarkable Turnaround: Enrollment Surge as Key Metric

Despite dips, Hayashi's strategies yielded results. Applicant numbers showed V-shaped recovery: signs in 2023, culminating in 2026 general selection with 112,312 applicants—a 21.4% increase (19,807 more) over 2025, surpassing 110,000 for the first time.

This rebound, from post-scandal lows, validated reforms amid Japan's shrinking 18-year-old population. Capacity utilization improved, positioning Nihon as a recovery model for scandal-hit institutions.

Persistent Challenges: 'Village Mentality' and Ongoing Work

Hayashi candidly admitted hurdles. In a recent Asahi Shimbun interview, she described her term as a '4-year relief pitcher,' with reforms only 40% complete.Asahi Shimbun interview with Mariko Hayashi highlights the 'strong in-university resolution' mindset impeding change. Drug scandal responses drew criticism for opacity, fueling press conferences and pay cuts.

Yet, progress reports show consistent training and evaluations, proving commitment despite resistance.

Reflections and Transition: One-Term Legacy

Announced March 24, 2026, Hayashi's retirement ends her self-limited one-term, despite reappointment pleas. She views it as stabilizing the ship post-turbulence. Successor Yasuichi Seki, Dean of Bioresource Sciences, brings academic expertise to continue reforms.

Hayashi's tenure injected vitality, diversity, and accountability into a behemoth institution.

Photo by Viet Pham on Unsplash

Broader Implications for Japanese Higher Education

Hayashi's era underscores private universities' vulnerability to leadership scandals amid enrollment pressures. Reforms like gender diversity and sports governance offer blueprints. As Japan eyes 400,000+ international students by 2030, Nihon's recovery highlights reputation management's role.

For stakeholders, it signals that bold, outsider leadership can revive giants, but sustained effort is key.

Future Outlook: Building on Foundations

Under Seki, expect deepened academic focus and internationalization. Ongoing MEXT-monitored reforms, including internal controls and athlete support, promise resilience. Nihon University's trajectory—from nadir to applicant boom—exemplifies higher education renewal in Japan.

Prospective students and faculty should watch for expanded scholarships and global programs, reinforcing Hayashi's vision of a proud, top-choice university.