#Japan #Tokyo #International Biology Olympiad #Japan Biology Olympiad #Yukina Tao

Japan's Selected Representatives for the 37th International Biology Olympiad

The Japan Biology Olympiad Committee (Chairperson: Tatsuo Doshima) has officially announced the four students who will represent Japan at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), set to take place in Vilnius, Lithuania from July 12 to July 19, 2026. This year's representatives were chosen from a competitive pool of 1,516 candidates through three rigorous examination stages.

The selected representatives are:

• - Yukina Tao - Takatsuki High School (Osaka Prefecture) - Grade 12
• - Masayuki Tezuka - Kaisei High School (Tokyo) - Grade 11
• - Seiyu Nakano - Nada High School (Hyogo Prefecture) - Grade 12
• - Asuka Yamamoto - Shitennoji High School (Osaka Prefecture) - Grade 12

Additionally, two students will serve as alternates:

• - Taichi Iwayama - Yamagata Prefectural Yamagata Higashi High School (Yamagata Prefecture) - Grade 12
• - Saki Okubo - Ibaraki Prefectural Namiki Secondary Education School (Ibaraki Prefecture) - Grade 12

In case the primary representatives are unable to participate for any reason, these alternates will step in as Japan's representatives at the international competition.

The IBO is a prestigious global contest aimed at high school students, designed to enhance interest in biology, stimulate talent, and foster international exchanges and educational cooperation in biological sciences among participants from various countries. Since its inception in 1990, with the first event held in the former Czechoslovakia, the IBO has grown into a significant platform for young biologists worldwide.

The Aspirations of the Japanese Representatives

Yukina Tao (Takatsuki High School, Osaka)

“I am genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the international competition. I aim to achieve good results while enjoying this precious chance to learn and meet biology enthusiasts from different countries.”

Masayuki Tezuka (Kaisei High School, Tokyo)

“Participating in the Biology Olympiad over the past three years has deepened my understanding of biology and heightened my interest in living organisms. I can’t wait to explore the unknown realms of biology at the international event!”

Seiyu Nakano (Nada High School, Hyogo)

“I am truly excited to represent Japan at the international event I have aimed for all these years. I look forward to meeting other competitors through biology, and I will strive to showcase the results of my hard work while keeping in mind the support I've received from so many.”

Asuka Yamamoto (Shitennoji High School, Osaka)

“Starting my journey in biology from junior high school to now earning the chance to participate in the international competition has been wonderful. I am grateful to my teachers, friends, and family who have supported me. I aim to make the most of this opportunity to connect with fellow biology lovers and showcase my abilities while enjoying the experience.”

Contact Information

For more information, please contact the Japan Biology Olympiad Committee (JBO):

• - Address: 2-1, Kitano-maru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0091
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: JBO Information
• - Phone: 03-3212-8518
• - Fax: 03-3212-0014

This set of representatives showcases not only the depth of talent in Japan but also the growing emphasis on international collaboration in biological sciences among youth.