[Nobel Week] Press Conference Hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Sweden Held in Stockholm

On December 11, a press conference was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Sweden was held in Stockholm, highlighting two Japanese recipients of the 2025 Nobel Prize: the Chemistry laureate Susumu Kitagawa, Distinguished Professor at iCeMS, Kyoto University, and the Physiology or Medicine laureate Shimon Sakaguchi, Distinguished Honorary Professor at Osaka University.

Reflecting on the award ceremony, Professor Kitagawa recalled that the moment he received the Nobel Prize medal directly from the King of Sweden was when the reality of the honor truly set in. He also shared the tension he felt at the time, noting that he was carefully focused on not dropping the medal, and described the experience as “a great honor and a deeply moving moment.”

During the question-and-answer session, discussion also turned to the state of fundamental science in Japan. Professor Kitagawa emphasized that while fundamental research takes time before its results become visible, its impact can be profound. He expressed concern over support systems that prioritize short-term results and stressed the importance of sustained, long-term support for fundamental research. Referring to Sweden’s culture of support for science, he also noted the need to foster an environment in Japan where young people can freely take on new challenges.

Professor Kitagawa further stated that this award should serve as an opportunity to reconsider the role of scientific culture in Japan. He expressed his hope that the value of fundamental science will be more widely shared across society, and that an environment will be cultivated in which the next generation can pursue research beyond disciplinary boundaries.