Happy New Year.

Last year brought the welcome news that, for the first time in four years, Japan once again produced Nobel laureates in the sciences, with two Japanese researchers receiving the award. This brings the total number of Japan-born Nobel laureates in the sciences in the 21st century to 21. While this total does not match that of the United States, which leads in overall laureates, Japan is in close competition with the United Kingdom for second place. Japan has firmly established itself as a regular presence on the Nobel stage, standing as the only country outside Europe and North America that consistently produces Nobel laureates.

What explains the remarkable number of Nobel Prizes awarded to Japanese researchers? I have explored this question from multiple perspectives, yet no single, definitive answer emerges. One thing, however, seems clear: since the end of the Second World War, Japan has cultivated a stable and secure environment that enables researchers across disciplines to pursue the work they are truly passionate about.

Of course, researchers may argue that funding is insufficient or that they are burdened by excessive non-research duties, and I'm sure there are many other frustrations as well. However, in the realm of research, it is crucial to foster an environment where researchers can pursue their work with a long-term perspective, free from political or social fluctuations. Looking at the world today, I sense that the value of such stability is being recognized once again.

Within Japan, concerns are often raised about the future of our nation's research competitiveness. There are, of course, areas that deserve careful attention, but I am not particularly pessimistic; if anything, I remain optimistic. One reason for this is that, in the area I just described, Japan possesses considerable strength. Another reason is that I consistently hear high praise from abroad for the abilities and dedication of Japanese researchers.

It will soon be 150 years since universities first took root in Japan. While academic institutions in Europe and the United States boast histories that stretch back several centuries—or even a millennium—Japanese researchers have achieved global prominence in just a relatively short period of 150 years. As we welcome the New Year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable achievements of those who came before us, reaffirming my belief that Japan must continue to make meaningful contributions to the world through academic research.