Sir

While appreciating your interest in the University of Tokyo's plan for a new campus and the research departments that will occupy a central role in it, I would like to take issue with several comments in your coverage (Nature 392, 429; & 393, 5; 1998).

First, in response to your statements that we have had difficulty in obtaining the land for the Kashiwa campus, I would like to point out that this was partially acquired in 1995, and construction of the Institute of Solid State Physics is already under way. Land for the new research departments was purchased in April of this year through the government's supplementary budget.

Second, you argue that the commitment of funds to the new research departments has adversely affected the redevelopment of existing departments and institutes. Although there is a university-wide consensus on giving high priority to the new departments, we are also reviewing the priorities for the redevelopment of the existing departments and institutes. Some of the redevelopment projects — such as the recently completed construction of the Faculty of Science Research Tower, the redevelopment of the Komaba campus, and the construction of a medical school building — are already becoming a reality.

Finally, you comment on the question of age limits for faculty members recruited to the new research departments. Although it was indicated that promising young scholars were being sought for certain associate professor positions, such an age limit is not a requirement in all fields.

Every effort is being made to ensure that the successful setting up of the departments is a goal of the entire university community, and we believe firmly that they represent a welcome change from the present rigid structure of graduate education and research in Japan. The new research departments were inaugurated in April.