The Mainichi News Quiz Answer for June 25

Why were the job contracts of 701 fixed-term instructors and researchers at Japan's national universities terminated just before reaching the 10-year mark?

A) To give them early retirement benefits

B) To prevent them from switching to indefinite employment

C) To transition them to higher-paying research positions

D) To ensure equal opportunities for younger researchers

Correct Answer: B) To prevent them from switching to indefinite employment

According to information disclosed following a freedom-of-information request, 701 fixed-term instructors and researchers at Japan's national universities lost their jobs right before reaching the 10-year mark, when they would have gained the legal right to indefinite-term employment. The universities that terminated the highest numbers of contracts included prominent institutions such as the University of Tokyo, the University of Osaka, Tohoku University and Kyoto University.

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