Last year, four Japanese scientists, including one who became a naturalized American, received Nobel Prizes. Unfortunately, however, their achievements do not reflect the current state of science in Japan. The government's 2009 science and technology white paper shows that the foundation for basic science research is crumbling and hints that Japan's scientific level is rapidly falling. From 1996 to fiscal 2010, the government earmarked more than ¥60 trillion for its three 5-year science and technology basic plans. But it is questionable whether the money spent so far has been used effectively to develop talented scientists.

Of the scientific papers written in Japan, the average frequency of one of them being quoted was 0.94 times in 2007. The corresponding figure was 1.51 for the United States, 1.37 for Britain, 1.24 for Germany, 1.23 for Canada and 1.12 for France. The white paper says that frontline researchers lament the paucity of specialists in basic science.

University applicants for engineering departments numbered about 533,000 in fiscal 2008, compared with roughly 900,000 in fiscal 1992. There were about 96,500 science applicants in fiscal 2008 — a figure that hasn't changed for almost 20 years. The report says that the number of students pursuing doctorates has been dropping since it hit a high in fiscal 2003.

The percentage of young university teachers (age 37 or younger), who are expected to be more creative than older teachers, has also been falling: 21.3 percent in fiscal 2007, compared with the 25.2 percent in fiscal 1998.

The government needs to strengthen science education at all levels. Most importantly, curricula are needed that encourage students to take an interest in science. An academic atmosphere that contributes to freer thinking should also be created.

National universities need more research funds. There should be more teaching and research positions for young scientists, and their positions should be secure enough to free them from the fear of losing them when they return from long-term research projects abroad.