Press Conference:
Science Council of Japan Controversy
Masanori Okada
Professor, Waseda University
Takaaki Matsumiya
Professor, Ritsumeikan University
Sadamichi Ashina
Professor, Kyoto University (Zoom)
Ryuichi Ozawa
Professor, Jikei University School of Medicine (Zoom)
14:30 - 15:30, October 23, 2020
(The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.)
* Prof. Ashina and Prof Ozawa are joining this event online.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's refusal to appoint six scholars to the Science Council of Japan, the nation's top advisory body for the natural and social sciences, has sparked outrage and concern in Japan and abroad.
The unprecedented denial of scholars, several of whom were outspoken critics of the government's policies regarding legislation related to national security and secrecy, has led to suspicions that Suga's decision was political motivated.
Over the past week, at least 370 academic societies, including the Association of Scholars Opposed to the Security-related Law, have protested about government interference. Four of the scholars who were rejected will come to the FCCJ to discuss what the decision could mean for academic freedom in Japan.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 14:00. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your own pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding. *
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8K6odES9H0wSq71vppauA/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions:https://forms.gle/35cbSpeqVCqGfZ2D8
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 13:45. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee