THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION OF JAPAN

JSTF

The Japan Prize Preparatory Foundation was established on November 1, 1982, with the approval of the Prime Minister, for the purpose of establishing the Japan Prize as a prestigious international award in the fields of science and technology.

The creation of the Japan Prize was motivated by the desire to "express Japan's gratitude to international society. "This plan was advocated in 1981 by Mr. Taro Nakayama, the then Director-General, the Prime Minister's Office of the Suzuki Cabinet, and supported with the fund donated by the late Mr. Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic Corporation.

 

Lifelong Ambition

The first President of the Foundation Konosuke Matsushita

 

Peace and prosperity for mankind have been my lifelong desires. I am extremely pleased, therefore, that the Japan Prize has been established with the specific goal of making some contribution on behalf of Japan to the development of international society.

The progress of modern science and technology has been phenomenal. It is not overstating its role to say that we owe the civilization we enjoy today to this very progress.
On the other hand, however, there are still many global problems which remain to be solved, and the necessity to seek the counsel of many people is greater than ever before.

Under such circumstances, it is appropriate that Japan, in consultation with the international community, honors, those who have produced outstanding achievements in the fields of science and technology.

It is my sincere hope that the Japan Prize achieves the recognition it deserves.

Establishment of the Japan Prize

 

The Government issued the following cabinet endorsement on the establishment of the Japan Prize on October 28 of the same year.

 

The official position of the Japanese Government is that the Japan Prize, to be bestowed by the Science and Technology Foundation of Japan, will serve to deepen the understanding of the role played by science and technology in furthering world peace and prosperity, thereby making a vital contribution to the positive development of mankind. Based on this judgment, the government agencies concerned are urged to offer whatever cooperation necessary in all phases pertinent to this prize. (Cabinet Endorsement-October 28, 1983)

 

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