Mystery over the disappearances of Chinese professors from Japanese universities when they traveled to their homeland

Japan’s government announced today that it is “closely monitoring” the case of a Chinese university professor in Tokyo who, according to Japanese media, disappeared last year during a trip to China. A similar case of the disappearance of a Chinese professor at a Japanese university was revealed in March.

“We are closely monitoring the case” because it “may involve the professor’s human rights,” Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said today, hinting that the professor may be being held in China against his will.

THE Professor Fan Yudaoa specialist in International Law and Political Science at Asia University of Japan in Tokyo, disappeared after entering China in February 2023 as part of a short trip, according to Japanese media.

Just before disappearing, the 61-year-old professor had warned those around him that the Chinese authorities sought to interrogate him, according to diplomatic sources cited by Japan’s Kyodo news agency who believe he is being held. A statement issued today by Asia University of Japan said Fan Yudao was absent and expressed “the sincere hope” that he would return and resume his courses, which have been assigned to a temporary replacement.