Japan Academy

The Japan Academy (日本学士院 Nippon gakushiin) is an honorary organization founded in 1879 to bring together leading Japanese scholars with distinguished records of scientific achievements. The Academy is currently organization attached to the Ministry of Education; and the organization's headquarters located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. Election to the Academy is considered the highest distinction a scholar can achieve, and members enjoy life tenure and an annual monetary stipend.

History

Nishi Amane, head of the Tokyo Academy in 1879.

In an effort to replicate the institutional landscape found in many Western nations, the leaders of the Meiji government sought to create a national academy of scholars and scientists modelled to the British Royal Academy. In 1879, Nishi Amane was made the head of what was then called the Tokyo Academy.

Prizes awarded

The Imperial Prize and Japan Academy Prize are awarded to persons who have achieved notable research landmarks or who have authored outstanding academic papers or books. One of the Academy's most important functions involves conferring these prizes, which have been awarded annually since 1911. Since 1949, these prize award ceremonies have been graced by the presence of HIM the Emperor of Japan; and since 1990, both the Emperor and Empress have attended.[1]

Japan Academy Prize
From 1911 until 1947, the academy annually conferred the Imperial Prize of the Japan Academy (Gakushiin Onshi Shō). Amongst past winners are Hideyo Noguchi (1915)[2] and Tasuku Honjo (1996).[3] After 1947, the name of the award was changed to Japan Academy Prize (Gakushiin Shō).[1]

Duke of Edinburgh Prize
In 1987, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh suggested that the Academy take assume the responsibility for conferring the biennial Duke of Edinburgh Prize to a Japanese scientist with outstanding achievements in the area of wildlife protection and species preservation.[1] In addition to this specific award, some 75 prizes and medals are associated with The Duke of Edinburgh.[4]

Japan Academy Medal
Since 2004, the Academy has annually conferred the Japan Academy Medal.[1]

Timeline

The early-Meiji era Tokyo Academy was institutionally re-organized into an Imperial Academy in 1906; and this institution was renamed the Japan Academy in 1947:[5]

President

President of the Tokyo Academy

No. Name Start of Term End of Term University
1. Fukuzawa Yukichi 1879 1879 Keio University
2. Nishi Amane 1879 1880 Yōrōkan
3. Katō Hiroyuki 1880 1882 University of Tokyo
4. Nishi Amane 1882 1886 Yōrōkan
5. Katō Hiroyuki 1886 1895 University of Tokyo
6. Hosokawa Jyunzirō 1895 1897 Bunbukan
7. Katō Hiroyuki 1897 1906 University of Tokyo

President of the Imperial Academy

No. Name Start of Term End of Term University
8. Katō Hiroyuki 1906 1909 University of Tokyo
9. Kikuchi Dairoku 1909 1917 University of Tokyo
10. Hozumi Nobushige 1917 1925 University of Tokyo
11. Okano Keizirō 1925 1925 University of Tokyo
12. Sakurai Jyōzi 1925 1939 University of Tokyo
13. Hantaro Nagaoka 1939 1948 University of Tokyo

President of the Japan Academy

No. Name Start of Term End of Term University
14. Yamada Saburō 1948 1961 University of Tokyo
15. Shibata Yuzi 1961 1970 University of Tokyo
16. Nanbara Shigeru 1970 1974 University of Tokyo
17. Kiyoo Wadati 1974 1980 University of Tokyo
18. Arisawa Hiromi 1980 1986 University of Tokyo
19. Kurokawa Toshio 1986 1988 Tohoku University
20. Wakimura Yoshitarō 1988 1994 University of Tokyo
21. Fuzita Yoshio 1994 2000 University of Tokyo
22. Ichiko Teizi 2000 2001 University of Tokyo
23. Nagakura Saburō 2001 2007 University of Tokyo
24. Kubo Masaaki 2007 2013 University of Tokyo
25. Takashi Sugimura 2013 Present University of Tokyo

Counterparts in other countries

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 Japan Academy: Activities
  2. Kita, Atsushi. (2005). Dr. Noguchi's Journey: A Life of Medical Search and Discovery, p. 186.
  3. Tasuku Honjo: Curriculum vitae
  4. Dukes of the UK: Prizes
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Japan Academy: History

References

External links

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