# Nobel Winner Kenso Soai on Research Significance

> Nobel Prize winner Kenso Soai explains he knew his research's importance but didn't expect the award.
- Title: Nobel Winner Kenso Soai on Research Significance | Shortify
- Summary: Nobel Prize winner Kenso Soai explains he knew his research's importance but didn't expect the award. Nobel Prize winner Kenso Soai knew his research's…
- Keywords: kenso soai, nobel prize, chemistry, research significance, japan times, saitama prefecture, news, politics, world, Nobel, Winner, Kenso
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/08/japan/science-health/kenso-soai-research-significance
- Author: Tomoko Otake
- Published: 2026-10-08T05:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenso soai, nobel prize, chemistry, research significance, japan times, saitama prefecture, news, politics, world
## Kenso Soai
Japanese scientist Kenso Soai, one of two 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners, knew his research's significance all along.
## Prize Notification
Soai received a phone call from the nobel foundation in sweden hours before the announcement while shopping for groceries.
## Soai's Reflection
Soai, 76, said he thought he would not get complaints about his research but didn't expect the prize.
## Key takeaway

Nobel Prize winner Kenso Soai knew his research's significance but didn't expect the prize.