THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION OF JAPAN

The Japan Prize started in 1985 with government support and the Prize is awarded to honor the achievements of people throughout the world, who have contributed to the progress of science and technology and the advancement of world peace and prosperity.
The Prize is in principle given for work done in any field of science and technology, but each year two particular fields are designated based on trends within these areas and other considerations.
As a rule, the Prize is given to individuals, with one person being selected in each field. In certain cases, however, small groups of researchers will also be considered.
Laureates receive a "Japan Prize" certificates of merit, a prize medals, and a cash award of 50 million yen for each field.