On October 1st, 2020, upon the launch of the 25th term of the Science Council of Japan, the prime minister refused to appoint six of the one hundred five new nominees recommended by the Council, with no explanation of the reasons for this decision. This unprecedented decision runs contrary to the purpose of the Science Council of Japan Act, which stipulates the independence of the duties of the Science Council of Japan. It also significantly undermines the function of the Science Council of Japan, the only institution in Japan where scientists from all fields form their will in cooperation with each other to contribute to society through science. Based on the above understanding, the Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies strongly requests that the prime minister disclose the specific reasons for the refusal of appointment and appoint those nominees for membership who have been denied appointment.
October 7, 2020
Board of Directors of the Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies