In order to raise the level of scientific research in Japan to the world's highest standard, it is important to recognize and support young researchers with rich creativity and superlative research ability at an early stage in their careers. To sustain the zeal of such researchers while offering them support in advancing their work, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science established the JSPS Prize in FY2004.

All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

They must have published papers or articles in scientific journals and other publications in Japan and/or abroad, and obtained excellent scientific research achievements. As of 1 April 2024, they must be
(1) Under 45 years of age (or under 47 years of age who have suspended their research activities due to childbirth and child raising over 3 months in total)
(2) Have obtained a doctorate degree (or possess an equivalent level of scientific research expertise)
(3) Must have Japanese citizenship, or be a foreign researcher who has conducted research at a Japanese research institution for five years or longer.

For further details, please see the nomination guidelines for this prize.
https://www.jsps.go.jp/jsps-prize/yoshiki_01.html (Japanese)

(1) Presidents of Japanese universities and directors of Japanese research institutes and academic societies may nominate candidates for the JSPS Prize.
(2) Researchers in Japan, including who have Japanese nationality and live outside of Japan, with records of superlative achievements may also nominate candidates.

Selections are made by the JSPS Prize Selection Committee established within JSPS.
In making its selections, the Committee takes into consideration the results of a preliminary review of the nominees conducted by JSPS's Research Center for Science Systems.

Each fiscal year, up to 25 researchers are awarded the JSPS Prize. The Prize consists of a certificate of merit, a medal, and a purse of JPY 1.1 million.
Among the JSPS Prize recipients, the awardees of the Japan Academy Medal will be selected.

Note 1:    Number of nominations, excluding duplications.
Note 2:    Nominations are valid for two years. The previous year's nominees, excluding recipients, who meet the age requirement as of 1 April, are reviewed as the new nominees.