▲ Soai Kenso, Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science, who co-won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The Japanese government welcomed producing another Nobel laureate in the scientific field this year and announced today (October 8) that it will increase government support to ensure that excellent research achievements continue in the field of basic science.
During a regular briefing, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki Masanao commented on the joint-winning of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry announced the previous day by Soai Kenso, Professor Emeritus at the Tokyo University of Science, stating that the government will push to strengthen the foundation for science and technology research.
Ozaki added, "We will strive to foster creative young researchers and fundamentally strengthen research and development capabilities across various fields."
Following the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner the previous day, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae called Professor Emeritus Soai to congratulate him and stated that the government would expand science research grants and operating expense subsidies for national university corporations.
Receiving a congratulatory call that same day from Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Seki Yoshihiro, Professor Emeritus Soai expressed gratitude for government support, saying, "I was able to receive this award thanks to the robust student support system during my long tenure at the Tokyo University of Science."
He emphasized that the Japanese government's support was a great source of strength while researching uncharted fields until deriving a new organic chemical reaction named after himself, known as the "Soai reaction."
Describing his past research process during his acceptance remarks, he compared it to "feeling like groping along a dark path with a lantern strapped to your head in pitch darkness, not even knowing if there is a mountain ahead," illustrating the difficulties of the scientific research process.
The number of laureates Japan has produced in the three natural science fields since the 21st century stands at 22, ranking second in the world behind the United States.
Analysts point out that this is the reward for the generous support provided to basic science research during Japan's economic growth period that lasted for about 20 years starting in the 1970s, and patiently waiting for researchers to produce results.
However, some point out that as Japan's economy experienced the "lost 30 years," support for basic science research has become more neglected than in the past.
Concerns have also been raised that the academic achievements of young researchers following in the footsteps of Japan's current generation of scientific leaders, most of whom are elderly, fall short of past standards.
The Japanese government has allocated a record-breaking science and technology-related budget of nearly 11 trillion yen (approx. 93 trillion won) in next year's budget proposal, focusing on rebuilding its status as a science powerhouse.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki emphasized, "Basic research creates valuable intellectual assets that serve as the foundation for human development and further becomes the source of innovation," adding that the government will dedicate itself to strengthening basic research capabilities and nurturing talent.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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