Chiaki Mukai (1952-), Astronaut A medical doctor driven by a desire to help the sick becomes the first Japanese woman in space.

			Katsuko Saruhashi (1920-), Geochemist Founder of the prestigious Saruhashi Prize to support women researchers and the first female member of the Science Council of Japan.

			Mizuho Ishida (1943-), Geophysicist Important research into tectonic plates and close monitoring of earthquake activity in the Tokai and Kanto regions.

			Kono Yasui (1880-1971), Botanist An inspiration for women scientists as a pioneering researcher and a stern but warmhearted teacher.

			Keiko Yanagisawa (1938-), Life scientist and writer Returning from a seven-year hiatus as a homemaker to make a breakthrough discovery on the genetic mutation of mice.

			Tsuneko Okazaki (1933-), Biochemist Original research on DNA synthesis and the first Japanese to win a top UNESCO prize for women scientists.

			Ume Tange (1873-1955), Nutritional chemist Blazing a trail for other women to follow as the first Japanese woman to earn a bachelor of science.

			Michiyo Tsujimura (1888-1969), Nutritionist An agricultural chemist who crystallized catechin, the substance responsible for the bitter taste in green tea.

			Toshiko Yuasa (1909-1980), Nuclear physicist Overcoming wartime politics to devote a lifetime to the study of radioactivity.

			Fumiko Yonezawa (1938-), Theoretical physicist A leading authority on amorphous substances, which could help solve the mystery of life.