In what is believed to be a first in Japan, a prestigious national women's university officially announced Tuesday its new policy to open doors from 2020 to people who were assigned as male at birth but identify as female, saying it's a natural decision that takes gender diversity into account.
The landmark move by Ochanomizu University is expected to accelerate national discussions regarding admissions at other women universities, which currently limit enrollment to those listed as women on their family registry.
"We want to accept people who sincerely wish to study at Ochanomizu University. It's a natural thing to do in a society that embraces diversity," President Kimiko Murofushi said during a news conference held at the university, which is located in Tokyo.