Japanese among female scientists to be inscribed on Eiffel Tower

The landmark of the French capital, built in 1889, has the gilded names of 72 male scientists inscribed on the exterior of its first-level observation deck.

The city decided to add the same number of women and released the list Monday.

Most of those selected are French, but Yuasa (1909-1980), who worked in France for much of her career, made it to the list.

Yuasa graduated from Tokyo University of Literature and Science, now the University of Tsukuba, before moving to France in 1940.

She researched nuclear physics and worked to promote friendship between Japan and France.

She researched under professor Jean Frederic Joliot-Curie, son-in-law of Marie Curie, who is also among the 72 women to be inscribed on the tower.

According to the newspaper Le Monde, the 72 names will be inscribed as early as next year, after formal approval is given.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said that the time has come to give women the place they deserve on the tower.