Kazuo Akagi is an Eminent Research Professor, Research Organization of Science and Technology at Ritsumeikan University in Shiga, Japan, and a Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University and University of Tsukuba, Japan. After graduating from Kyoto University, he spent most of his career working for University of Tsukuba and Kyoto University before taking up his present appointment at Ritsumeikan University. Professor Akagi has received numerous scientific awards, including The Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Award.