The Japanese author’s snub signals the arrival of cooler weather, according to Japanese netizens.
Nobel Prize
It’s that time of year again. The time when the world waits with bated breath to see who was voted as Earth’s greatest contributor to peace and receives what may be the highest honor a human can receive. I’m talking, of course, about the Confucius Peace Prize.
The Confucius Peace Prize is an annual award given to those who work towards peace as seen “from an Eastern perspective”, with past laureates including Vladimir Putin and Fidel Castro. This year, the selection committee announced that the Confucius Peace Prize will go to none other than Zimbabwe President, Chairperson of the African Union, and one of Forbes’ “10 Worst Dictators” in the world: Robert Mugabe.
Winning a Nobel Prize is a pretty big deal, to put it lightly. Many people would even say that it is the most prestigious award out there. Knowing that, no one would ever call a Nobel Prize a nuisance, right? Well…
Haruki Murakami, one of the most famous authors to come out of Japan, is not really interested in winning a Nobel Prize and actually kind of wishes people would stop nominating him.
In 2014, Dr. Shuji Nakamura, along with two other scientists, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for his work in creating bright blue LEDs. In 1993, Nakamura held only a master’s degree and worked with just one lab assistant for a small manufacturer in rural Japan, yet he was able to find a solution that had eluded some the highest paid, best-educated researchers in the world.
If his story ended there, he would no doubt be the poster boy for Japanese innovation and never-say-die spirit, but in the years since his discovery, he has instigated a landmark patent case, emigrated to the US, given up his Japanese citizenship and become a vocal critic of his native country. Last week, the prickly professor gave his first Japanese press conference since picking up his Nobel and he had some very succinct advice for young Japanese: Leave.
It’s great that we have the Nobel Prize to give credit to the often unspoken heroes of the scientific community who continuously change our lives for the better. For example, Professors Sir John Gudon and Shinya Yamanaka’s work on stem cell research could potentially save countless lives and improve everyone else’s.
With that in mind, after a recent cabinet meeting Minister Makiko Tanaka unveiled their plan to present Prof. Yamanaka with – cue Price is Right music – a brand new washing machine!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated toy train is the perfect gift for kids who like to be confused
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
What would convince Japanese people to live in a home where there’d been a death or “accident?”
Shocking discovery: Japan’s expensive Shine Muscat grapes can pair amazingly with cheap Pringles
Burger King Japan to be bought by America’s Goldman-Sachs
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Don’t forget that the best convenience store in northern Japan has branches farther south too
Weekly
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents- Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Don’t forget that the best convenience store in northern Japan has branches farther south too
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Yakko Welsh Onion Tossing World Championships held in Kochi Prefecture
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
McDonald’s Japan’s Gurakoro burgers, like a cup of hot soup in sandwich form, return this month!
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro stamps to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
-
