# Japan and France win Nobel chemistry prize

> Japan's Kenso Soai and France's Henri Kagan receive 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize for mirror-image molecule breakthrough.
- Title: Japan and France win Nobel chemistry prize · Nikkei Asia
- Summary: Japan's Kenso Soai and France's Henri Kagan receive 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize for mirror-image molecule breakthrough.
- Keywords: kenso soai, henri kagan, nobel chemistry prize, mirror-image molecules, asymmetric organic synthesis, 2026 nobel prize, news, business, world, Japan, France, win
- Source: Nikkei Asia — https://asia.nikkei.com/business/science/japan-s-kenso-soai-and-france-s-henri-kagan-win-nobel-chemistry-prize
- Published: 2026-10-07T14:02:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenso soai, henri kagan, nobel chemistry prize, mirror-image molecules, asymmetric organic synthesis, 2026 nobel prize, news, business, world
## Nobel chemistry prize awarded
Japan's Kenso Soai and France's Henri Kagan win 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize.
## Recognition for mirror-image molecules
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honors their work on mirror-image molecules tied to life's origins.
## Discovery of nonlinear effects
Their research focuses on nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
## Award ceremony details
Portraits of Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai were shown at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm on Oct 7.
## Award announcement
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the 2026 Nobel Prize in chemistry winners in Stockholm on Wednesday.
## Key takeaway

Japan's Kenso Soai and France's Henri Kagan win 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize for advancements in mirror-image molecules linked to life's origins.