ARK Mori Building, East Wing 35th Floor, 1-12-32
Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-6035, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5545-0551 Fax: +81-3-5545-0554

No. 52 May 2014www.japanprize.jp

2014 (30th) Japan Prize Presentation CeremonyAwards were presented to two laureates from the U.S. and Japanin the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress

The 2014 (30th) Japan Prize laureates were honored at an award presentation ceremony held on April 23 at the National
Theatre in Tokyo in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. The Japan Prize is awarded annually to scientists
and researchers in two fields who made substantial contributions to their fields as well as society to serve the cause of peace andprosperity of mankind. Dr. Yasuharu Suematsu of Japan, the laureate in the “Electronics, Information and Communication” field,
was recognized for his pioneering research on semiconductor lasers for high-capacity, long-distance optical fiber communication,
which led to a breakthrough in optical fiber communication technology. Dr. C. David Allis of the United States, the laureate in
the “Life Science” field, elucidated the role of histones, proteins in chromosomes that regulate gene expression. Japan Prizelaureates are selected from among the candidates who are recommended by prominent researchers and scientists around theworld. For the 2014 Japan Prize, 189 recommendations were sent in for the “Electronics, Information and Communication” field,
and the “Life Science” field received 354 recommendations during the three months through February last year. Dr. Suematsu
and Dr. Allis were deemed well worthy of the prize after almost a year-long, fair and rigid selection process.

The Japan Prize is awarded to scientists and researchers, regardless ofnationality, who have made significant contributions to the progress ofscience and technology as well as society to serve the cause of peace andprosperity of mankind.

While the prize encompasses all categories of science and technology, twofields of study are designated for the prize each year in consideration ofdevelopments in science and technology. Each Japan Prize laureate receives
a certificate of merit and a prize medal. A cash prize of 50 million yen is also
awarded to each prize field.

Electronics, Information and Communication

Pioneering research on semiconductor lasers
for high-capacity, long-distance optical fiber communication

Dr. Yasuharu Suematsu
Born: September 22, 1932
Honorary Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Message from the laureate

It is truly an honor to stand before Their Majesties theEmperor and Empress of Japan and everyone here toreceive the internationally recognized Japan Prize.

as a central core. We expect that remarkable progress willcontinue to be made.
I was able to achieve my research thanks to the support

All of the former laureates of this award have beenof many people. With generous financial supports bothrenowned figures who have laid the foundation of thefrom the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science

world’s science and technology of today. Therefore, I

and Technology and from the Japan Society for thecannot help but feel extremely humbled and proud to be

Promotion of Science, strong unconditional corporate

included in the list.

support, and the friendly academic and industry

My research was a basic study with engineered approachcompetition that has accompanied the progress in opticalto realize the unprecedented high-capacity, long-distanceand electronic technology, I feel very fortunate to have had

optical fiber communication. To elaborate, I developed thethe pleasure to work with the tireless co-researchers at the

dynamic single-mode laser, a form of semiconductor laser,

Tokyo Institute of Technology, and teachers from whom I

to achieve optimal fiber-optic communication. In 1980,

have learned. Consequently, I feel great joy to have been

while optical technology and electronics were making

able to make this small contribution to the world.

remarkable progress, the development of this new laser

Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude

provided the momentum to realize optical fiberand sincere appreciation to the members of the Japan Prize

communication by allowing a high volume of information

Selection Committee and the Japan Prize Foundation forto travel long distance.

choosing my research, and casting light on the field of

By the late 1980s, this technology began to be usedfiber-optic systems. I would like to conclude by wishingaround the world. I’ m thrilled to hear people say that thethe Japan Prize Foundation and everyone here continued

coinciding development of the Internet would not havesuccess and prosperity.

progressed as much as it did without these lasers working

Thank you.

Life Science

Discovery of histone modifications as fundamental
regulators of gene expression

Dr. C. David Allis
Born: March 22, 1951
The Joy and Jack Fishman Professor, The Rockefeller University
Message from the laureate

To Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan,

genuinely feel that, communicating results face-to-face,distinguished dignitaries and scientists, The Japan Prize

without secrecy, leads to a “sum-greater-than-the-parts”

Foundation and my family, I wish to express my sincere

outcome.

gratitude for making all of today’s events possible.

In keeping, I have always felt that one of the best parts ofCareer prizes, like The Japan Prize, require a career’s

doing science is “the people.” Here I have been very

worth of people to thank. I am confident that Dr. Suematsu

blessed. I also consider “teachers” as the unsung heroes ofagrees. My own research program rests heavily upon thosemy career. I owe special thanks to all of those who have

who came before me, those who believed that

dedicated themselves not only to teaching me scientific“chromatin,” as the physiologically-relevant form of ourfacts, but also inspired me to reach higher, to strive to do

genome, plays a critical role in determining how genes are

more. This includes my scientific mentors, parents andregulated. They and their work inspired me.

family. I would not be here had it not been for them.

Many more scientists world-wide continue to unlock

In closing, words cannot express how deeply honored

chromatin’s secrets, and I know that this will continue

and humbled I am to be receiving The Japan Prize with Dr.

with future generations. This includes my own lab

Suematsu. Your warm hospitality and your wonderfulmembers, past and present. I am grateful to all of them for

culture and country have made this an unforgettable

their many insights and discoveries that continue to shapeexperience for all of us.

our work. Their contributions have been remarkable anddeserve being recognized. I enjoy “sharing science” andThank you.

Presentation Ceremony

Dr. Yasuharu Suematsu and Dr. C. David Allis each received a certificate of recognition and a commemorative gold medal
during the Japan Prize Presentation Ceremony on April 23, which was graced with the presence of Their Majesties the Emperorand Empress. Dr. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, Chairman of the Japan Prize Foundation, also presented bouquets of flowers to Mrs.
Suematsu and Mrs. Allis, who were on the stage as well. By holding the medals high, the laureates acknowledged the applauseof the audience that numbered approximately 1,000 consisting of dignitaries from industry, academia and government, including
Mr. Bunmei Ibuki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Itsuro Terada, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Mr.
Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, as well as families of the laureates. In
the commemorative concert following the award presentation, the Tokyo Geidai Symphony Orchestra played five songs
requested in advance by the laureates, including the overture to “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss and “Imagine” by John
Lennon. To commemorate the 30th edition of the Japan Prize, a video summarizing its history since 1985 was played to theaudience before the ceremony started.

Dr. & Mrs. Yasuharu Suematsu

Congratulatory addressby H.E. Mr. Bunmei Ibuki,
Speaker of the House ofRepresentatives

Dr. & Mrs. C. David Allis

Opening remarksby Dr. Yoshio Yazaki,
President of the Japan
Prize Foundation

Selection results
by Dr. Hiroshi Komiyama,
Chairman of the Selection
Committee

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress
attend the commemorative concert

Commemorative concert
by the Tokyo Geidai Symphony Orchestra

Banquet

Following the Presentation Ceremony, a banquet was held at a hotel in Tokyo. The banquet, which was attended by more than
300 people, was opened by His Majesty the Emperor proposing a toast to the laureates and concluded with acknowledgements by
the laureates. Dr. Suematsu said he was especially thankful for receiving the award at this time, taking into consideration that it
took a quarter-century until his research and the resulting product began to be used and that it was only a few years ago when asemiconductor laser he had deemed the ultimate goal became wide-spread. Dr. Allis made a speech with humor, referring to traffic
congestion caused by President Barack Obama of the United States, who was arriving in Tokyo around the time the banquet began.
In his speech, Dr. Allis revealed that he will come back to Tokyo in August to team up with Dr. Suematsu to hold seminars foryoung students. The two gentlemen discussed it back in January, Dr. Allis said. They met for the first time then when a press
conference was held in Tokyo to introduce them as this year’ s winners. As they got to talking, they found they share the same
passion and mission: passing down their knowledge and expertise to the next generation.

Toast by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

Opening addressby Prof. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa ,Chairman of the Japan Prize Foundation

Congratulatory address by H.E. Mr. Masaaki Yamazaki,
President of House of Councillors

Acknowledgment
by Dr. Yasuharu Suematsu

Acknowledgment
by Dr. C. David Allis

Commemorative Lectures
On April 24, Dr. Suematsu and Dr. Allis gave lectures commemorating their receipt of the Japan Prize at Ito Hall on the campusof the University of Tokyo. Before a packed audience of about 300, Dr. Allis took the stage first. Showing slides full of photos
and illustrations, he explained in simple terms about epigenetics, which explores the inheritance of physical changes that cannot be
traced back to mutations in the DNA sequence, and gave examples of how and what this relatively new field of study has helped or
is expected to help in the development of advanced medicine. Dr. Suematsu’ s lecture was centered around the theme of “OpticalFiber Communication, Semiconductor Lasers and Our Society.” With interesting behind-the-scene anecdotes, he started with why
he had decided to focus on light as a measure to transmit data. He went on to describe the path to achieving the “dynamic single
mode laser” as he stuck to his beliefs and got support from academia, industry and government along the way. Meanwhile, thelaureates joined President Barack Obama, who was in Japan as a state guest, in his visit to the National Museum of Emerging
Science and Innovation earlier in the afternoon, prior to the commemorative lectures.
"Life Science" ﬁeld

"Electronics, Information and Communication" ﬁeld

A lecture by Dr. Suematsu

A lecture by Dr. Allis
T hem eTh emeBeyond the Double Helix: Varying the Terrain of
Epigenetic Landscapes in Development & Disease

Optical Fiber Communication,
Semiconductor Lasers and Our Society

In his lecture “Beyond the Double Helix,” Dr. Allis, first of all,cited examples of how drosophila with the same genes may havedifferent colored eyes, and how only one of the identical twinsdevelops autism, and explained that the academic discipline studying
the mechanism in which changes in organisms occurring withoutchanges in the DNA base sequence continuing after cell division, iscalled epigenetics.
The concept of epigenetics came into existence long ago in
1942, and many researchers were focusing on proteins called
histones. When DNA is stretched out in a cell, it becomesapproximately two meters long. Histones play a vital role incontaining this long, string-like DNA into the small nucleus. Of
the DNA, the region not used in cell activity binds strongly tohistones, and when the information is being used, it unwinds
loosely from histones. What substance regulates the bond between
the DNA and histones? Dr. Allis’ research team conducted a study
using a unicellular organism called a tetrahymena, and in 1996, provedthat histone acetyltransferases, which bind the acetyl group, are active
in histones in the region where the genetic information is read.
With this research as a catalyst, the epigenetics research madegreat progress. In recent times, changes in the characteristics oforganisms are attributed, not only to DNA mutation, but also to DNA
methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, clarifying that vitalrole of epigenetics. In addition, diseases caused by abnormalities inhistone chemical modification have also come into light, leading to
the development of drugs which control the acetylation andmethylation of histone.
Lastly, Dr. Allis presented the several latest findings, such as how
the physique resulting from dietary habits during the growth period inhumans and susceptibility to diseases actually have great impact on
our progeny, and also how changes in characteristics of organisms
are related to the mutations of histones themselves. Presently,
epigenetics is bringing transformative changes to a wide range offields, from basic life science to health promotion.

In his lecture “Optical Fiber Communication, Semiconductor Laserand Society,” Dr. Suematsu first spoke about the indispensable “ties”
among people in research and development. There are ties among
researchers and ties with society.
For example, any leading edge technology has, as its foundation, past
discoveries. Dr. Suematsu referred to many examples, such as theglassworks in ancient Egypt as the origin of optical fiber, and therelationship between mathematician John von Neumann andsemiconductor lasers. In addition, he also mentioned that his being able
to exert effort in research was owing to the support from businessleaders, academic circles and government offices.
Dr. Suematsu’ s research was the forerunner of “problem-solving
studies,” the concept in which performance constantly demanded bysociety is achieved by the combination of forecast, theory andexperiments. In his early days, Dr. Suematsu had in his head threepoints required of optical communication semiconductor lasers. The
first point was “long-wavelength property” to minimize optical fiber
loss. The second point was “single-wavelength property” to stabilize
laser movement, and the third point was “wavelength tunability” toachieve multiplex communication.
Dr. Suematsu embarked on a challenge which was thought to be far
beyond reach at the time. However, by combining laser oscillation at the
1.5 μm band which minimizes optical loss, with integrated laser
technology which incorporates a period structure-type reflector in orderto achieve single wavelength, he presented the world’s first “dynamic
single-mode laser” in 1981. With this technology as a foundation, thecommercial transmission capacity of optical fiber increased dramatically.
Dr. Suematsu also engaged in “wavelength tunability,” the third goalof semiconductor lasers, and in 1983, he achieved the world’s firstwavelength tunable semiconductor laser which electrically controls
oscillation wavelength. This groundbreaking technology took a longtime to be applied since it was far ahead of its time. However, from2000 onward, as large-volume data communication came into demand, it
finally became mainstream technology. Dr. Suematsu concluded his
presentation by commenting, “above all else, that made me happy.”Japan Prize Week
Welcome Reception（Mon）

Courtesy Call on
the Japan Academy

Courtesy Call on
the Prime Minister

Academic Round
Table Discussion

（Tue）

/23

4

Presentation Ceremony

BanquetP R I Z E

/22

4

J A P A N

/21

4

（Wed）

4

（Sat）

In Katsura Imperial Villa

In Matsushita Shinshin-An

P H O T O S/26Sightseeing in Kyoto（Thu）

W E E K

/24

Commemorative Lectures

4

Fields Eligible for the 2015（31st）Japan Prize
Area ofPhysics, Chemistry and Engineering

Resources, Energy and Social Infrastructure

Background and rationale:

As global population continues to grow, the biggest challenge of this century is guiding human society towards balanced development while
overcoming environmental and resource constraints, and reducing inequalities.
In order to achieve this, innovative base technology is required in such areas as resource and energy utilization, water resourcesmanagement, material circulation, urban development, and traffic and transportation.
Particularly important are issues such as the creation of new technology for resource development and utilization, promotion of household
and industrial energy conservation, and development of alternative energy technology, as well as renovation of social infrastructuretechnology such as disaster mitigation and safety measures.

Achievement eligible:

The 2015 Japan Prize in the field of “Resource, Energy and Social Infrastructure” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has madesignificant contributions to society by improving the sustainability of human society and the global environment through scientific andtechnological breakthroughs, such as the creation, innovation and dissemination of resource utilization technology, energy technology andinfrastructure formation technology.
Area of
Life Science, Agriculture and Medicine

Medical Science and Medicinal Science

Background and rationale:

Advancement of modern science has brought about tremendous progress in the field of medical and medicinal sciences. Elucidations of various
diseases and their pathological mechanisms have led to continuous development in the establishment of new prophylaxes, diagnostic methods andtreatments.
Amid such circumstances, developed countries are experiencing a rise in diseases brought about by increased longevity and lifestylechanges. In contrast, many regions around the world still have little or no access to adequate medical care. Furthermore, emerging andre-emerging infectious diseases are becoming a major issue worldwide with the onset of globalization.
Therefore, it is anticipated that medical and medicinal sciences will further contribute towards the well-being of people in today's changing
times. Those contributions include the creation and dissemination of new medical care in fusion with other discipline such as engineeringand information science, development and production of new drugs, and development of drug delivery systems.

Achievement eligible:

The 2015 Japan Prize in the field of “Medical Science and Medicinal Science” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has madesignificant contributions to society by achieving scientific and technological breakthroughs in improving people’ s health through new
discoveries and development of innovative technologies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic prediction of diseases.

The Japan Prize Foundation
The Japan Prize Foundation was established in 1982, with the aim of contributing to the further development ofscience and technology. In addition to recognizing outstanding achievements with the Japan Prize, the Foundation has
been promoting science and technology by hosting the "Easy-to-understand Science and Technology Seminars" andawarding Research Grants to help nurture young scientists.

Research Grants
The Foundation provides research grants
to scientists and researchers under 35 yearsof age. Every year, the Foundation selects
projects in the same fields as thecorresponding Japan Prize and gives one
million Japanese yen for a project. In
2013, 18 young scientists received the
grants, making the total number of grantrecipients to 157 since the program’s
inception in 2006.

“Easy-to-Understand Science andTechnology Seminars”

Stockholm International YouthScience Seminar (SIYSS)For junior and senior high school students,
the Foundation holds a series of seminars on
advanced technologies commonly used ineveryday life by inviting Research Grant
recipients as lecturers. They explain
state-of-the-art technologies in plain terms.
The program began in March 1989 and hassince executed 239 seminars across Japanby the end of 2013.

Each year, the Japan Prize Foundation provides
an opportunity for young scholars to exchange
opinions with their peers on an international
level by sending two students to the StockholmInternational Youth Science Seminar hosted by
the Swedish Federation of Young Scientists
with the support of the Nobel Foundation.
Young students from Japan and elsewhere in
the world attend various events during Nobel
Week in Stockholm. Since the program started
in 1987, the Japan Prize Foundation has
provided this valuable opportunity to 52
undergraduate/ graduate students.

Fields Eligible for the 2015（31st）Japan Prize
Area ofPhysics, Chemistry and Engineering

Resources, Energy and Social Infrastructure

Background and rationale:

As global population continues to grow, the biggest challenge of this century is guiding human society towards balanced development while
overcoming environmental and resource constraints, and reducing inequalities.
In order to achieve this, innovative base technology is required in such areas as resource and energy utilization, water resourcesmanagement, material circulation, urban development, and traffic and transportation.
Particularly important are issues such as the creation of new technology for resource development and utilization, promotion of household
and industrial energy conservation, and development of alternative energy technology, as well as renovation of social infrastructuretechnology such as disaster mitigation and safety measures.

Achievement eligible:

The 2015 Japan Prize in the field of “Resource, Energy and Social Infrastructure” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has madesignificant contributions to society by improving the sustainability of human society and the global environment through scientific andtechnological breakthroughs, such as the creation, innovation and dissemination of resource utilization technology, energy technology andinfrastructure formation technology.
Area of
Life Science, Agriculture and Medicine

Medical Science and Medicinal Science

Background and rationale:

Advancement of modern science has brought about tremendous progress in the field of medical and medicinal sciences. Elucidations of various
diseases and their pathological mechanisms have led to continuous development in the establishment of new prophylaxes, diagnostic methods andtreatments.
Amid such circumstances, developed countries are experiencing a rise in diseases brought about by increased longevity and lifestylechanges. In contrast, many regions around the world still have little or no access to adequate medical care. Furthermore, emerging andre-emerging infectious diseases are becoming a major issue worldwide with the onset of globalization.
Therefore, it is anticipated that medical and medicinal sciences will further contribute towards the well-being of people in today's changing
times. Those contributions include the creation and dissemination of new medical care in fusion with other discipline such as engineeringand information science, development and production of new drugs, and development of drug delivery systems.

Achievement eligible:

The 2015 Japan Prize in the field of “Medical Science and Medicinal Science” will be awarded to an individual(s) who has madesignificant contributions to society by achieving scientific and technological breakthroughs in improving people’ s health through new
discoveries and development of innovative technologies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic prediction of diseases.

The Japan Prize Foundation
The Japan Prize Foundation was established in 1982, with the aim of contributing to the further development ofscience and technology. In addition to recognizing outstanding achievements with the Japan Prize, the Foundation has
been promoting science and technology by hosting the "Easy-to-understand Science and Technology Seminars" andawarding Research Grants to help nurture young scientists.

Research Grants
The Foundation provides research grants
to scientists and researchers under 35 yearsof age. Every year, the Foundation selects
projects in the same fields as thecorresponding Japan Prize and gives one
million Japanese yen for a project. In
2013, 18 young scientists received the
grants, making the total number of grantrecipients to 161 since the program’s
inception in 2006.

“Easy-to-Understand Science andTechnology Seminars”

Stockholm International YouthScience Seminar (SIYSS)For junior and senior high school students,
the Foundation holds a series of seminars on
advanced technologies commonly used ineveryday life by inviting Research Grant
recipients as lecturers. They explain
state-of-the-art technologies in plain terms.
The program began in March 1989 and hassince executed 239 seminars across Japanby the end of 2013.

Each year, the Japan Prize Foundation provides
an opportunity for young scholars to exchange
opinions with their peers on an international
level by sending two students to the StockholmInternational Youth Science Seminar hosted by
the Swedish Federation of Young Scientists
with the support of the Nobel Foundation.
Young students from Japan and elsewhere in
the world attend various events during Nobel
Week in Stockholm. Since the program started
in 1987, the Japan Prize Foundation has
provided this valuable opportunity to 52
undergraduate/ graduate students.