National Governors Association calls for extension of expert meeting on university regulations in 23 wards

A government panel of experts was held on the 21st regarding the ``23 Ward Regulation,'' which prohibits universities located within Tokyo's 23 wards from increasing their student capacity. Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Omura requested the extension of the restrictions, citing the opinion of the National Governors Association as ``leading to curbing the overconcentration in Tokyo.'' Mr. Omura also introduced the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's opinion calling for early abolition.

The law that included regulations in the 23 wards was enacted in 2018 with the aim of correcting the overconcentration of universities in Tokyo and promoting local universities. The regulations are time-limited for 10 years, and a panel of experts is debating whether to extend them beyond the March 2028 deadline.

At the meeting on the 21st, Mr. Omura spoke as a representative of the National Governors' Association. Looking at the population inflows and outflows by prefecture due to university admissions, it is said that in 2015 Tokyo had an excess inflow of over 81,000 people. The number has increased by just under 9,000 since fiscal 2015, and he argued that the regulations should be continued.

On the other hand, Mr. Omura called for the abolition of regulations...