MEDIA RELEASE

Dr. Masanori Iye's Medal with Purple Ribbon and certificate.

On November 15, 2011, Dr. Masanori Iye was decorated with the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Shiju Houshou). This honor was given to him not only for his excellence in leading cutting-edge research in astronomy but also for his numerous contributions to the academic world during his lengthy career. Dr. Iye is currently the Director of the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) Project Office of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and a Professor at both the Subaru Telescope and at the Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division of NAOJ.

Dr. Iye uses the Subaru Telescope to conduct his research on the distant, ancient universe. In 2006 his team discovered the most distant galaxy (IOK-1), which is 12.88 billion light years away. He is the leader of the AO (adaptive optics) research and development team, which is using Subaru’s adaptive optics system to study the “dark ages” of the universe.

Dr. Iye expressed his joy and appreciation for receiving the Medal with Purple Ribbon at the ceremony. He commented, “I’m truly humbled and honored to receive this medal.” After he received the medal and certificate, he attended a reception at the Imperial Palace with other recipients, including the Japanese actress Shinobu Otake and Norio Sasaki, the head coach of the national women’s soccer team. Akishinonomiya, Imperial Prince Fumihito, congratulated all of the medal recipients.