In 1982, Shigeru Kaho, a former lecturer at the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory who had been a great supporter and mentor for the Japan Amateur Astronomers Convention, passed away. Following his death, his family donated a fund to the convention's steering committee, which led to the establishment of the "Kaho Encouragement Award." This award is presented to individuals who deliver outstanding research presentations at the convention. Yoko Koikeda became the very first recipient at the Fukuoka convention, and since then, one or two individuals have been awarded at each subsequent convention.
(Quoted from the book "A Sequel to the History of Japanese Amateur Astronomy," published by Koseisha Koseikaku in 1994)
Genta Sakane received the award at the Japan Amateur Astronomers Convention held on Sunday, October 2, 1988, while he was a third-year student in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at Okayama University of Science (representing the Meteor Group of the Astronomy Club under the Cultural Bureau of the Student Association). Articles featuring his award were published in the Japanese astronomy magazines "Tenmon Guide" (Astronomy Guide) and "Gekkan Tenmon" (Monthly Astronomy).
