In 1981, the Japanese government wished to establish a prestigious international award that would contribute to the advancement of science and technology, and private donations would form the foundation of the prize.
The Prime Minister approved the establishment of the Japan Prize Preparatory Foundation on November 1, 1982, its objective to establish and administer the award.
The Preparatory Foundation was renamed the Japan Prize Foundation on May 5, 1983, and its mandate was expanded to include the comprehensive dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge and ideas. The Foundation received Cabinet Approval on October 28, 1983, and the first Japan Prize Presentation Ceremony was held in April 1985.
The Government issued the following cabinet endorsement on the establishment of the Japan Prize on October 28, 1983:
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)
* The official documents of the Cabinet Endorsement
* Current “Japan Prize Foundation”
