[/floatl]Asahi: Science Council of Japan urged to abolish Japanese nationality regulation
The venerable Science Council of Japan is under attack for refusing to abolish a requirement that all members have Japanese nationality. The issue is being pushed by the Peace Studies Association of Japan, one of the world's largest national peace research organizations. Established in 1973, it has about 950 members. The Science Council of Japan, a special agency under the jurisdiction of the prime minister, was set up to promote and enhance the field of science... In December 2004, the association put up Ronni Alexander (left), an American professor of international relations at Kobe University, for membership to the council. However, the council asked the association to withdraw the recommendation due to its clause that all members must be Japanese nationals... A council member finally explained the policy by saying, "Japanese nationality is required because the council is involved in decision-making that affects the country through providing opinions about science technology, reporting to and advising the central government after being asked to make recommendations." However, the association countered that the rules governing the council make no mention of nationality and, thus, there was no basis for excluding foreign nationals...Asked about the issue, Sanae Takaichi, state minister for innovation and other issues, told reporters Tuesday that the council is a special agency that is involved in the government's decision-making process so Japanese nationality is needed for membership...more...
