JAPAN

Advisory panel mulls limiting new universities in Tokyo

A government advisory panel last week began considering limiting the establishment of new universities and departments in Tokyo as part of measures to alleviate concentration of students in the capital, reports Nikkei Asian Review.

The panel is also expected to consider ways to stem the outflow of young people from regional areas, including measures to revitalise regional universities and create new jobs in such areas.

The panel, which consists of business people, politicians and a head of a university, is expected to issue an interim report around May before compiling a set of measures in the summer. The panel launched the discussion as some people involved in academic activities at universities have voiced concerns that a curb on the establishment of universities would restrict academic freedom.
Full report on the Nikkei Asian Review site