Nihon University, one of Japan's largest private institutions with over 70,000 students across 16 colleges, faced a major crisis in late 2021 when its long-serving board chairman, Hidetoshi Tanaka, was arrested for tax evasion. The scandal involved undeclared kickbacks totaling around 120 million yen from university-affiliated business partners, leading to evaded income taxes of approximately 53 million yen. This event not only tarnished the university's reputation but also highlighted deeper governance issues in Japanese higher education.
The probe began with searches in September 2021, but Tanaka's arrest on November 29 thrust the matter into the spotlight. Prosecutors alleged he concealed cash payments from vendors linked to Nihon University's hospital and other operations, stashing the money at home rather than reporting it. Tanaka, who had led the board for over two decades amid previous controversies like the 2018 American football illegal tackle scandal, initially denied wrongdoing but later admitted the charges.
The First Press Conference: A Turning Point
On December 10, 2021, Nihon University held its first press conference since the initial raids, marking a pivotal moment in addressing the scandal. Acting representatives, including university officials and legal advisors, vowed a 'permanent break' from Tanaka, announcing his removal from all positions and considering the liquidation of implicated business units. They emphasized that tuition funds were untouched and outlined immediate governance reforms to prevent recurrence.
During the conference, officials detailed an internal investigation revealing suspicious transfers but no direct breach of trust by Tanaka at the university level. The university committed to cooperating fully with authorities and seeking damages from Tanaka. This public acknowledgment aimed to reassure stakeholders, though critics noted the delay—over two months after the first search—questioned transparency.
Background on Tanaka's Leadership and the Allegations
Hidetoshi Tanaka joined Nihon University in the 1960s as a wrestler and rose to chairman in 2000. Under his tenure, the university expanded but faced criticism for opaque decision-making. The tax evasion stemmed from rebates Tanaka received in 2018 and 2020 from contractors for university projects, particularly the affiliated hospital. He reportedly told investigators his wife accepted the cash unknowingly.
While not charged with embezzlement—defined in Japan as misappropriating entrusted funds for personal use—suspicions arose over whether kickbacks constituted breach of trust. The Tokyo District Prosecutors' Special Investigation Unit focused on tax violations after university probes cleared him of direct university fund misuse. This distinction was crucial, as embezzlement carries heavier penalties.
Legal Proceedings and Tanaka's Conviction
Tanaka was indicted on December 20, 2021. At his first court hearing on February 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty, expressing remorse. Prosecutors sought a one-year prison term and 16 million yen fine in March 2022, citing deliberate concealment. The Tokyo District Court sentenced him to one year suspended for three years and a 13 million yen fine on March 30, 2022, acknowledging his first offense but stressing the betrayal of public trust.
Tanaka passed away in January 2024 at age 77, closing a chapter but leaving lingering questions about university oversight.
University's Immediate Responses and Reforms
Post-conference, Nihon University installed Mariko Hayashi as chairwoman in July 2022, the first woman in the role, signaling reform. They dissolved the board, enhanced compliance committees, and introduced external audits. Government subsidies were withheld for fiscal 2021, costing millions, prompting financial restructuring.
Further measures included staff dismissals in 2023 for separate embezzlement cases—two employees fired for misappropriating university funds—and stricter financial controls. By 2026, Hayashi's resignation in June, amid ongoing scrutiny of past scandals, underscored persistent challenges, with successor Taiichiro Seki recommended for continuity.
Impacts on Students, Faculty, and Enrollment
The scandal eroded trust, with enrollment dips in affected departments. Students faced heightened scrutiny, while faculty pushed for transparency. A third-party panel criticized initial handling, leading to policy overhauls. Financial strain from subsidy losses forced budget cuts, affecting research and facilities.
Surveys showed 40% of prospective students reconsidering Nihon due to governance concerns, mirroring Japan's private university enrollment crisis amid declining birthrates.
Broader Implications for Japanese Higher Education
Nihon University's case exemplifies vulnerabilities in private universities, which enroll 75% of students but rely on subsidies and tuition. Similar scandals at other institutions highlight needs for stronger oversight by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Reforms like mandatory external directors and whistleblower protections gained traction. Private universities now face stricter audits, with MEXT withholding funds from non-compliant ones. This scandal accelerated discussions on corporatization risks in academia.
For deeper insights into Japan's university subsidy system, see MEXT's higher education funding guidelines.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Criticisms
Alumni expressed outrage, demanding accountability. Faculty unions called for democratic governance. Media lambasted the university's 'village mentality,' where Tanaka's influence stifled dissent. Hayashi's apologies in later conferences for unrelated drug scandals drew parallels, questioning reform depth.
Photo by TE LUN OU YANG on Unsplash
- Prosecutors: Emphasized elite accountability.
- University lawyers: Defended no tuition misuse.
- Students: Sought assurances on education quality.
- Regulators: Pushed systemic changes.
Lessons Learned and Preventive Measures
Key takeaways include segregating personal and institutional finances, robust internal audits, and ethical training. Nihon adopted AI-driven financial monitoring and annual compliance certifications. Nationally, MEXT mandated governance codes for private universities.
Step-by-step reform process:
- Appoint independent oversight board.
- Conduct full financial audits.
- Train executives on tax laws.
- Establish anonymous reporting channels.
Future Outlook for Nihon University and Japanese Higher Ed
By 2026, Nihon shows recovery signs with stabilized enrollment and new leadership, but rebuilding trust remains key. Japan's higher education faces demographic pressures—projected 20% enrollment drop by 2040—necessitating ethical, innovative governance.
Positive steps include international partnerships and research boosts. For those eyeing academic careers in Japan, explore opportunities via JREC-IN Portal.
The scandal, while damaging, catalyzed progress toward accountable higher education in Japan.
