We demonstrate a novel form of metallofullerenes, namely, those with radioactive atoms encapsulated in the C[sub 82]cage. The metal atoms were made radioactive by a neutron capture reaction or through a nuclear decay process. The most important and intriguing finding of the present study is that the endohedral form of metallofullerenes is not affected by the recoil energy of the metal atom resulting from emission of electrons in the [beta] decay. Such a stability of the cage against the recoil energy of the encapsulated atom was confirmed by the elution behavior of the metallofullerene in liquid chromatography. Successful encapsulation of radioactive atoms inside the fullerene cage will greatly widen the potential use of endohedral metallofullerenes not only in basic science and technology but also in other areas, such as medicine. 14 refs., 3 figs.