Kyoto Prize

The Kyoto Prize
Insignia of the prize.
Awarded forLifetime achievement in
Advanced Technology,
Basic Sciences,
Arts and Philosophy
LocationICC Kyoto
CountryJapan
Presented byInamori Foundation
Reward(s)A diploma, a Kyoto Prize medal (20K gold), and prize money of 100million yen per category.
First award1985
Websitewww.kyotoprize.org/en/
Ribbon of the prize

The Kyoto Prize (京都賞, Kyōto-shō) is Japan's highest private award for lifetime achievement in the arts and sciences. It is given not only to those that are top representatives of their own respective fields, but to "those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of mankind". The Kyoto Prize was established in 1984, and the laureates have been annually awarded since 1985. It is regarded by many as Japan's version of the Nobel Prize, representing one of the most prestigious awards available in fields that are not traditionally honored with a Nobel.

The prizes are endowed with 100 million yen per category and have been awarded annually since 1985 by the Inamori Foundation, founded by Kazuo Inamori. The laureates are announced each June; the prize presentation ceremony and related events are held in Kyoto, Japan, each November.