Kenzo Kaga's Nobel Prize win sparks celebrations and research funding pledges

Following the announcement that Kenzo Kaga, Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, celebrations are continuing across Japan. At the university, sales of original mineral water have surged to more than five times the usual volume during a celebratory sale. Local businesses in the Kagurazaka district have also expressed their joy and support for the professor.

In response to the achievement, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Yoshihiro Seki stated that the award is a source of pride and encouragement for the nation. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to promoting policies that foster diversity and depth in basic research. He also addressed concerns regarding the pressure for short-term results, noting that basic research serves as the essential foundation for future applied research and innovation. Seki pledged to continue expanding fundamental research funding, including grants and subsidies for national university corporations, to strengthen Japan's research capabilities and human resource development.