Japanese media: Japan "takes a step towards military integration"

Reference News Network, October 23 According to Kyodo News on October 20, Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on the 20th that it has selected 47 research topics to be included in the 2026 "Security Technology Research Promotion System." This system aims to fund basic research applicable to military technology. A total of 560 applications were received this year, setting a record high since the establishment of the system in 2015, significantly increasing from 340 applications in the previous year. Among these, 291 applications came from universities and related educational institutions, with 11 universities, including Nagoya University, Osaka University, and Keio University, being selected for the first time.

According to reports, there has been strong concern within the Japanese academic community that this system may promote the "militarization of science and technology" and negatively impact academic freedom. Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 20th, "We have now entered an era where it is no longer possible to clearly distinguish between defense and civilian use. In order to protect the lives of our citizens, cooperation with universities and the academic community is indispensable, and I welcome this change."

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the budget for the 2026 fiscal year is approximately 12.9 billion yen (about 81.6 million USD). The 47 selected topics were chosen by a review committee composed of external experts. Among them, 30 projects are led by university-affiliated institutions, 11 by public research institutions, and 6 by enterprises and other organizations.

Since the establishment of this system, the annual number of applications has long remained around 100, but it increased to 203 in the 2024 fiscal year, with further growth in the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. A relevant official from the ministry stated, "This is the result of efforts to popularize the relevant system."

According to the Asahi Shimbun website on October 20, Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency has established a funding system aimed at supporting basic research applicable to the defense field, which has received a record number of applications. Notably, the surge in applications from universities is particularly striking. So, what exactly has happened in this process?

Reports indicate that Kobe University has two projects selected this time. However, as early as 2017, the then-president of Kobe University issued a notice clearly stating that "research results should only be used for peaceful purposes and not for military use," establishing a policy of not participating in this project. But the current president, Masato Fujisawa, has completely changed this stance and lifted the ban on applying for the project.

In response to this shift in university policy, some members of the Kobe University faculty and staff association issued a statement of opposition. During an emergency lecture held on campus, some students also expressed doubts: "In the current tense global situation, why do this?"

Katsuro Iguchi, president of the Kobe University faculty and staff association, expressed concern, stating, "(The university) has established a connection with the Ministry of Defense and has already taken a step toward military-academic integration."

Reports indicate that Nagoya University has had projects approved for the first time. The university established a "Peace Charter" as early as 1987, clearly stating that it "does not engage in academic research and education for the purpose of war."

On the 20th, the Nagoya University faculty and staff association submitted a written document to the president, questioning whether this move aligns with the spirit of the "Peace Charter" and requesting a reconsideration of whether to accept the research funding.

Tetsuhiko Nakajima, an emeritus professor at Nagoya University, pointed out that considering the national operating subsidies for national universities have been cut by more than 10% compared to 20 years ago, the current objective environment makes "the Ministry of Defense's funding support appear quite attractive to researchers." He expressed deep concern, believing that "the current trend aims to incorporate basic research into military research, which is fundamentally different from the eventual dual-use nature of research results."

Takahiro Kodera, secretary-general of the "Opposition to Military-Academic Cooperation Liaison Committee," composed of researchers and citizens opposing university participation in military research, expressed concern: "Once science and technology are linked to the defense budget, scientists will have to speculate on the government's intentions (engaging in self-censorship), and can academic freedom still be protected?" (Translated by Chen Rui)