The Physical Society of Japan year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary The Physical Society of Japan, and 2027 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the organization that served as its predecessor. To commemorate these milestones, the Society has decided to launch Physics Heritage ” Physics Heritage. We will designate Physics Heritage apparatus, written materials such as books, drafts, and notebooks, as well as Physics Heritage associated with achievements that have left their mark on the history of physics Physics Heritage,” thereby contributing to their preservation and establishing a digital archive.
What is Japan Physics Heritage?
" Physics Heritage " refers to any of the following:
- Items of particularly high academic value that represent important results in physics research accomplished in Japan or mainly by Japanese nationals.
- Particularly important ones that are indispensable for understanding the transition of the state of research, education, etc. of physics in Japan.
In addition, Physics Heritage is divided into the following two categories:
- Historic site/traditional site: Remains of places where important research, education, etc. was conducted.
- Historical materials: Documents or equipment, devices, etc. related to important research, education, etc.
Certification Process
Certification Physics Heritage is granted by the Board of Directors based on candidates recommended by the Physics Heritage. The Physics Heritage may solicit proposals from members regarding candidates for recommendation. It also commissions the Physics Heritage Subcommittee to conduct detailed investigations of the proposed sites.
The first accreditation will be conducted in 2026 and 2027, the Memorial Year, and will be announced at each annual conference as Phase I and Phase II, respectively. The second and subsequent annual accreditations will be held once a year beginning in 2028.
The deadline for the first phase of the call for proposals is November 30, 2025. Proposals should be sent using the dedicated form. Proposals for the first phase of the Call for Proposals are limited to three per member. In addition, please check the email sent to members to submit proposals.
Accreditation System and Structure
On September 12, 2025, The Physical Society of Japan established Physics Heritage,” the “Regulations of Physics Heritage,” and the “Regulations of Physics Heritage Subcommittee” (all effective October 1, 2025). The members of Physics Heritage are as follows (as of the end of October 2025).
Member of the Physics Heritage Committee
Shuji Hasegawa (The University of Tokyo) [Chair]
Naoo Hayakawa (Kyoto University) [Vice Chair]
Aya Aya Ishihara (Chiba University)
Nobumichi Aruga (Hitotsubashi University) *
Hiroshi Watanabe (Keio University) **
Takuji Okamoto (The University of Tokyo)
*Chair of the History of Physics Resource Committee
**Chair of the Public Relations Committee
***Director in Charge