In October 2018, Dr. Tasuku Honjo, a distinguished professor, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

　Dr. Honjo has long felt the need to further accelerate basic medical research and enhance the support provided to those engaged in basic research. The Yuh-shi Fund was established to address this need and commemorate Dr. Honjo’s receipt of the Nobel Prize.

　The fund was initiated by Dr. Honjo’s donation of the cash award that accompanied his Nobel Prize. Further donations will be widely sought, and there are also plans to expand the fund in the future using income sources such as royalties from the PD-1 inhibitor treatment patent, which is to be obtained by Dr. Honjo through a pharmaceutical company.

　The fund will be used for subsidies that provide secure positions and research funds for worthy young talent aiming for careers in research.

　The name “The Yuh-shi Fund” was inspired by Dr. Honjo’s personal motto: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
　The Japanese version of this saying, yūshi kyōsei, originates from a Chinese history text. It teaches that those who have a steadfast and unbending will can undoubtedly attain their goals. Even things that seem impossible can eventually be achieved if tackled with a firm conviction. This fund will be used to support young researchers who pursue their research with strong determination and unsparing effort.