It has been announced today that Professor Emeritus Kenzo Soai of Tokyo University of Science has been awarded the “Nobel Prize in Chemistry.”
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Soai and to all those who have conducted research alongside him.
Professor Soai discovered the “asymmetric autocatalysis reaction” (fusei jiko shokubai hannō), which is known as the “Soai reaction” (soai hannō)—a phenomenon in which even the slightest difference in molecules can grow into a significant disparity as it amplifies itself by increasing its own kind.
This research pertains to the origins of homochirality, and I understand that this achievement is groundbreaking, as it also contributes to unraveling the universal human mystery of “the origin of life.” As a Japanese person, I feel immense pride in this.
Along with expectations for Professor Soai’s continued outstanding contributions in the future, I also express my hope that he will keep dedicating himself to the further advancement of academic research in our country.
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan