Amid the grandeur of the Kyoto International Conference Hall and Japan's Imperial family, each laureate received a diploma, a Kyoto Prize Medal of 20-karat gold, and a cash gift of 50 million yen (approximately US$425,000) during the prize ceremony, with workshops and lectures continuing through November 12. In addition, the laureates will convene in San Diego, Calif., April 18-20, 2006, for the fifth annual Kyoto Laureate Symposium at San Diego State University; the University of California, San Diego; and the University of San Diego.

The 2005 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology, chosen from the field of Electronics, was presented to Dr. George H. Heilmeier, 69, of Dallas. Dr. Heilmeier, chairman emeritus of Telcordia Technologies, Inc., received the award for his groundbreaking research in the field of liquid crystals and his direct contributions to the development of the liquid crystal display (LCD). LCDs are now indispensable to our modern society in applications ranging from palm-sized mobile phones to the most advanced home theater systems, laptop computers, video games, digital wristwatches, cameras and home appliances.

The 2005 Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy, chosen from the field of Music, was presented to Maestro Nikolaus Harnoncourt, 75, of St. Georgen, Austria. Maestro Harnoncourt received the award for his exceptional creativity as a conductor and performer who has contributed to the establishment of the "historically informed performance" of European early music, and who has extended his principles and interpretation to modern music as well. Mr. Harnoncourt has emerged as a pioneer who has broadened the boundaries of music by exploring its historical context both as a theorist and a practitioner.

The Inamori Foundation was established in 1984 by Dr. Kazuo Inamori, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Kyocera Corporation. The Kyoto Prize was founded in 1985, in line with Dr. Inamori's belief that man has no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of society, and that mankind's future can be assured only when there is a balance between our scientific progress and our spiritual depth. As of November 10, 2005, the Kyoto Prize has been awarded to 69 laureates from 12 nations -- ranging from scientists, engineers and researchers to philosophers, painters, architects, sculptors, musicians and film directors. The United States has produced the most recipients, with 31 laureates, followed by the United Kingdom (nine), Japan (eight) and France (seven).

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