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.
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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.
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]
Imperial Prize
Since 1911, the academy has 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]
Japan Academy Prize
Since 1911, the Academy has annually conferred the Imperial Academy Prize. 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]
The early-Meiji era Tokyo Academy was institutionally re-organized into an Imperial Academy in 1906; and this institution was re-named the Japan Academy in 1947:[5]