The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science was originally established in December 1932 as a non-profit foundation with an endowment provided by Emperor Showa to Japan’s Minister of Education, Science, Sports and Culture. In September 1967, a law was enacted to convert JSPS into a quasi-governmental organization under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. After some 70 years of initiating and advancing programs as Japan’s core research-promotion agency, JSPS marked a new start as an independent administrative institution in October 2003. This new legal status has given JSPS an even greater degree of operational freedom and effectiveness in enhancing the program services it provides researchers, universities and other research institutions.

Now, on 11 November 2009, His Majesty Akihito gave a new endowment to JSPS in commemoration of his 20^th year of reign as the Emperor of Japan.

JSPS is greatly honored by the gift of this imperial endowment, and, in keeping with the spirit in which His Majesty donated it, is considering using the funds to establish a program that gives recognition to outstanding doctoral students

who can be expected to contribute to the future advancement of scientific research in Japan.

The Japanese envelope conveying the imperial endowment, tied with decorative paper strings of dark green (produced with red dye) and white, used exclusively by the Imperial Family on celebratory occasions. On the right side of the envelope are inscribed the characters for the Emperor and on the left, for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.