Mariko Hayashi, Executive Director of Nihon University

Nihon University announced on the 24th that its chairperson, Mariko Hayashi (71), a novelist, will step down at the end of June when her first term expires. Taiichiro Seki, dean of the College of Bioresource Sciences, has been named as her successor and is expected to formally assume the position in July after internal procedures.

Hayashi, an alumna of Nihon University’s College of Art, became chair in July 2022 following a major scandal involving senior university officials and a breach-of-trust case at an affiliated hospital. She was tasked with leading organizational reforms. However, in 2023, when an American football team member was found to be involved in illegal drug use, the university leadership’s confused response drew criticism for governance failures. According to sources, Hayashi expressed her intention to resign.

Seki, the incoming chair candidate, is a Nihon University graduate specializing in nutrition and physiology. He was recommended by the presidential selection committee—which includes external experts—and his candidacy was reported at the board meeting on the 18th.