Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has decided to meet with Science Council of Japan President Takaaki Kajita. Arrangements are currently underway to set an early date for their meeting. At that time, the premier will likely seek the SCJ’s understanding of his decision to reject its six nominees.

The plan was revealed on Oct. 15 by several people close to the government. During his meeting with Kajita, it is expected PM Suga will explain the government’s decision not to appoint six nominees as well as the government’s plan to review the council as part of efforts to promote administrative reforms, with an eye to ensuring the SCJ can continue to perform comprehensive academic activities from a bird’s-eye perspective. (Abridged)