Tokyo University Probes 'Controversial Code' That Blocked Chinese Applicants From Accessing Their Site

Tokyo University, one of Japan's most esteemed academic institutions, has come under scrutiny for allegedly embedding a controversial keyword in the source code of its graduate admissions webpage.

The phrase is said to have restricted access for users in China, raising concerns over potential discrimination.

Hidden Code Sparks Controversy

According to university officials interviewed on 6th December, the source code included the kanji characters for "six four Tiananmen," an apparent reference to the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 4th June 1989.

This phrase is a well-known trigger for China's stringent internet censorship, commonly referred to as the "Great Firewall."

The inclusion of these characters could have prevented users in mainland China from accessing the admissions page for the Computational Biology and Medical Sciences program between August 2023 and September 2024.

The allegations were initially reported by Todai Shimbun, Tokyo University's student-run newspaper, and later corroborated by investigative efforts from other outlets, including the Mainichi Shimbun.

Independent Verification

The presence of the controversial keyword was independently confirmed by fact-checkers and digital analysts.

Investigators used tools such as the Wayback Machine to examine historical versions of the site and identified phrases such as "6 4 Tiananmen" and "June 4th Tiananmen" within the source code.

The inclusion of such terms has raised alarm over the possibility of deliberate actions aimed at limiting access for Chinese nationals, as highlighted in a Brut America TikTok video.

University Responds to Backlash

In response to the allegations, Tokyo University admitted the presence of the keyword in its source code but denied any institutional intent to target specific nationalities.

The university promptly removed the code and launched an internal investigation to uncover how and why it was added.

A spokesperson stated, "We are committed to transparency and fairness in our admissions process. Any action that undermines these principles is deeply regrettable."

The university has also implemented additional checks and verification protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Suspected Discrimination

The inclusion of the keyword has sparked debates about discriminatory practices in academia.

Critics have suggested that the move may have been motivated by resentment towards the growing number of Chinese students at Tokyo University.

According to the university's public relations division, "If the keyword was added to inhibit access from a specific country, it is a highly inappropriate act and deeply regrettable. Our policy is to welcome a diverse body of students and faculty members from around the world."

The university's data shows that foreign student enrolment has significantly increased, reaching 5,104 in May 2024—a 2.4-fold rise since 2004.

Of these, Chinese nationals accounted for 66.5 percent, with their representation at the graduate level rising to 69.4 percent.

Geopolitical and Digital Implications

This incident has ignited broader debates about the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and education.

While some view the keyword's inclusion as a discriminatory act, others argue it reflects heightened tensions between Japan and China, which may have influenced individuals within the institution.

The case highlights the growing need for transparency in digital practices and the potential for geopolitical issues to seep into academic institutions.

For Tokyo University, this controversy underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining a fair and inclusive academic environment.

As the investigation continues, the university faces mounting pressure to restore trust and ensure its digital and admissions practices align with international standards.