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FACS Newsletter 2/2003 The Chemical Society of Japan Celebrated its 125th Anniversary
Teruto Ohta
Executive Director, The Chemical Society of Japan
Twenty or so motivated and enthusiastic young scholars wishing to advance research in chemistry founded the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ), initially named the Chemical Society, in 1878. Later, it was renamed The Tokyo Chemical Society, and eventually given the present English name of "The Chemical Society of Japan."
The annual meeting of CSJ for 2003 was held at Nishi-Waseda Campus of Waseda University in 18th - 21st of March. At the second day of the meeting, 19th of March, the celebration ceremony and the reception were held to commemorate CSJ's 125th anniversary with Their Majesties Emperor and Empress in attendance at Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo adjacent to the Campus. At the evening of the same day, the celebration ceremony was held in the presence of Their Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi at the same hotel.
The Emperor and Empress arrived at the hotel at 40 minutes past one and entered "Royal Hall" on the 3rd floor of the hotel, where all the attendants welcomed with standing applause. After Professor T. Sawada, the master of the ceremony, declared the opening of the ceremony, Professor R. Noyori, the president of CSJ in 2002 gave the opening speech. Then, His Majesty the Emperor gave a very impressive address in which he referred to the contribution of founders of the society, foreign teachers and chemists at the very beginning of modern science in our country as well as roles the society played after the World War II.
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Opening remarks by Prof. Noyori at the ceremony |
After that Mr. Y. Mitarai, a vice minister on behalf of Ms A. Toyama, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology presented a speech, followed by words from Dr. S.
Nagakura, the president of Japan Academy and Dr. Elsa Reichmanis, the president of American Chemical Society. The ceremony proceeded to the installation of 6 new foreign honorary members.
After presentation of certificates to each member from Professor R. Noyori, Professor R. Breslow gave acceptance speech. Finally Mr. H. Seya, the president of CSJ in 2003 made the concluding remarks to end the ceremony. About 600 members attended the ceremony together with many guests from all over the world. Two of world chemistry related organizations, namely Professor Pieter Steyn from IUPAC and Professor Barry N. Noller from FACS and representatives from 9 chemical societies.
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Prof. Noller being introduced to audience at the ceremony
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The reception (Tea party) started at 3:00 p.m. where the Emperor and Empress intimately talked with about 120 attendants of foreign guests, past presidents of
CSJ, awardees of CSJ young chemists award and etc.
At six o'clock in the evening, the celebration party was held at "Royal Hall" on the 3rd floor of the hotel in the presence of Their Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi. Prof. R. Noyori presented the plate to installate the prince to a special honorary member with respect to his contribution to the society since he became a member of
CSJ. The princess, in return, addressed his gratitude for the installation and his wish to continue the effort to support the society's activity.
"Orchestra Chimica", an orchestra established in June 2002 by members of the Society, played music and, under glorious atmosphere, about 500 members enjoyed talk with the Prince and Princess and each other. Although the Prince and Princess left the room at seven o'clock, the party continued to eight o'clock with greetings from representatives of
IIUPAC, FACS and sister chemical societies of the foreign countries.
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Emperor and Empress talking with foreign guests at the reception
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Orchestra Chimica in play
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