Tokyo, Oct. 7 (Jiji Press)–The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Wednesday that the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be awarded to Kenso Soai, professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science, and Henri Kagan, who is affiliated with Universite Paris-Sud in France. The two scientists have achieved breakthroughs that are expected to provide clues to the origins of amino acids and other molecules that comprise life, as well as lead to new methods for producing pharmaceuticals. Soai, 76, is the 10th Japanese winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, following last year’s winner, Susumu Kitagawa, 75-year-old professor at Kyoto University. He is the 31st individual of Japanese origin to win a Nobel Prize. During a phone interview with the academy following the announcement, Soai said that he was very excited to be selected for the prize, adding that it was the most exciting day of his life. Soai and Kagan were selected for “the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.” According to the academy, amino acids exist as two mirrored variants. However, only one variant is found in the proteins in human cells, and the other is rarely seen in nature. In 1986, Kagan discovered a “new way of manipulating chemical reactions” that “allowed him to create a greater excess of one of the mirror images than had previously been thought possible.” In 1995, Soai discovered a catalytic reaction “in which only one of the two possible mirror images was formed.” “Their discoveries have been decisive for chemists who design reactions for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals,” the academy said. At a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday night, Soai said, “It may be arrogant to say this, but I’ve been thinking nobody would complain if my research received (the Nobel Prize).” “I’m very happy to receive the prize with Prof. Henri Kagan,” Soai also said. “I could not have discovered (the catalytic reaction) without the support of university staff, students and others,” he added. Soai also received a congratulatory phone call from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said that, as a Japanese national, she is very proud of Soai’s achievement. Takaichi said that the government will strengthen the foundations of science and technology research and asked for Soai’s support. Soai responded that he would do everything he could. The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Stockholm on Dec. 10. The prize money of 11 million Swedish krona, or about 190 million yen, will be divided equally between the two winners. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
