Subjects and resources that you bookmark will appear here.
Caroline Koffke
Katelyn Lien
Japan is known for its scientific research and has made significant contributions to many fields of science. There are many research institutions in Japan that promote scientific advancements and allow Japanese scientists to continue their work.
Below are some of the largest and most well-known Japanese research organizations.
Further divided into
Minister's Secretariat
Manages MEXT's overall policies
Performs administrative functions like community relations and policy evaluation
Director-General for International Affairs
Assists in activities of the Japanese National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Promotes international collaboration through education, science, and culture
Department of Facilities Planning and Disaster Prevention
Promotes improvement in earthquake resistance and disaster prevention strategies
Advocates for enhancement of national university campuses to support educational and research activities
🏫 Many Japanese universities also conduct scientific and technological research. Some of the leading Japanese universities are The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Waseda University.
🎖️ Japan has an impressive list of Nobel Prize laureates who have been honored for their excellence in their area of study.
Here are a few recent Japanese recipients:
2014 Nobel Prize in Physics
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
JAXA, or the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, is Japan's national aerospace research and space agency. It was formed in 2003 after three independent organizations merged.
Currently, its headquarters is in Chōfu, Tokyo, and the president of the agency is Hiroshi Yamakawa. It has over 1,500 regular staff members and many domestic and international researchers.
JAXA is one of the participating agencies involved with the International Space Station. Japan often works as a partner with NASA and the countries' most recent collaborative project is the Artemis.
Japan has successfully launched many high-profile science missions like the HALCA, in which multiple telescopes are used to study astronomical objects and the Hayabusa, which brought back an asteroid sample to Earth.
Koichi Wakata is a well-known Japanese astronaut, or uchū hikōshi (宇宙飛行士). He has spent more than 11 months in space and was the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station. He has also been part of 4 NASA Space Shuttle missions.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Browse Study Guides By Unit