Five artists, including architect Fumihiko Maki, were named Wednesday as recipients of the 11th Praemium Imperiale for outstanding cultural achievements.
Also receiving the award were Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, 74, German painter Anselm Kiefer, 54, American sculptor Louise Bourgeois, 87, and German choreographer Pina Bausch, 59.
They will each be presented with 15 million yen in prize money at a ceremony today at the Meiji Kinenkan Hall in Tokyo.
Maki, 71, is known for his design of the Hillside Terrace in Tokyo's Daikanyama.
The award, set up in memory of the late Prince Takamatsu, an uncle of the Emperor, is given annually to outstanding contributors to the world of art.