This book sheds light on a little-known aspect of the Imperial family of Japan: For three
generations members of the family have devoted themselves to biological research. Emperor
Showa (Hirohito) was an expert on hydrozoans and slime molds. His son Emperor Akihito is an
ichthyologist specializing in gobioid fishes and his research is highly respected in the
field. Prince Akishino Emperor Akihito's son is known for his research on giant catfish and
the domestication of fowl while Prince Hitachi Emperor Akihito's brother has conducted
research on cancer in animals. The book shows how they became interested in biology how
seriously they were committed to their research what their main scientific contributions are
and how their achievements are valued by experts at home and abroad. To commemorate the 60-year
reign of Emperor Showa and his longtime devotion to biology the International Prize for
Biology was founded in 1985. The prize seeks to recognize and encourage researches in basic
biology. A list of winners and a summary of their research are presented in the last part of
the book. The author an eminent biologist who has given lectures to the Imperial Family
explains their research and tells the fascinating story of biology and the Imperial Family of
Japan. The book is a valuable resource not only for biology students and researchers but also
for historians and anyone interested in science and the Royal and Imperial families.
