TMTPOST--The University of Tokyo announced on September 10 that it will increase tuition fees for new students starting April next year due to reduced government funding. This is the first time in 20 years that the prestigious national university has raised its tuition fees. Despite opposition from some students and faculty members, the university has set the annual tuition at 642,960 yen, an increase of approximately 107,000 yen. University President Teruo Fujii stated at a press conference that improving the educational environment is an urgent issue due to “increasing global competition.” He added that the additional revenue will be used to upgrade facilities.