: The History of Physics in Japan,
, for the Next Generation. PASSING ON THE SCIENTIFIC LEGACY OF JAPANESE PHYSICS
This is a system for designating places and artifacts of significant historical importance to the history of physics in Japan as cultural heritage. From here, we begin the quiet work of passing on the value of science to future generations.
Schedule for the First Certification
- Phase 1: Announced in September 2026
- Phase 2: Scheduled for release in September 2027
2028: The 2nd Certification Session is Scheduled to Take Place
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What Is Physics Heritage?
Science is culture.
The legacy of thought and activity left by Japanese physics,
into the next 150 years.
Japan Physics HeritageThis is a system that designates historical sites, historic landmarks, and historical materials—which convey the significant achievements of physics research in Japan and the history of research and education to the present day—as “heritage,” and works to document and preserve them. It encompasses various forms of “the memory of physics” related to research, education, and other areas.
Japan Physics HeritageThere are two categories: Category 1 (Historic Sites and Historic Landmarks) and Category 2 (Historical Materials), which are selected following surveys and reviews by experts. Certified heritage sites are issued a certificate of designation, and efforts are made to publicize them and preserve records.
Category 1 — Historic Sites and Historic Landmarks
Ruins of a site where important research, education, and other activities took place. They preserve the memories of the land.
Category 2 — Historical Materials
Documents, equipment, and devices related to important research, education, and other fields. We preserve artifacts that tell the story of history.
Featured Certified Heritage Sites
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RIKEN Cyclotron No. 3
This is an accelerator that was rebuilt at the RIKEN Institute after the war. The first model, built by Yoshio Nishina and others before the war, was lost during the conflict…
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The Electron Microscope Used to Discover Carbon Nanotubes
This case concerns Sumio Iijima, who was the first in the world to discover multi-walled carbon nanotubes in 1991 and single-walled carbon nanotubes in 1993…
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Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, the Birthplace of
Physical Metallurgy and Magnetism Research in Japan and Its Collection
of Historical Materials in Honda Memorial HallThe Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University was founded by Kotaro Honda, who introduced a physical perspective to metallurgy, and through precise experimental measurements, it has studied solid…
