Socializing with Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi and the Swedish Language Major of the School of Foreign Studies－A Moment to Learn About Culture and Language in preparation for the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony―

On November 19, 2025, a social gathering was held at UOsaka Minoh Campus with Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and faculty and students from the Swedish Language major of the School of Foreign Studies.

This event was planned to deepen Professor Sakaguchi's understanding of Swedish language and culture before he attended the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, in December, and to share the unique learning experiences of the University of Osaka, the only national university in Japan offering a Swedish language major.

Approximately 70 faculty members and students from the Swedish language major participated in the event. It was conducted under the concept of welcoming Professor Sakaguchi as a “one-day exchange student” to the Swedish language major of the School of Foreign Studies. The special lecture titled “If You Were to Attend the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony” adopted a unique format where Professor Sakaguchi was addressed as “Sakaguchi-san” in order for everyone to feel at ease and share the learning experience on an equal footing with the students.

In the part titled “Getting to Know the Country of the Nobel Prize: Reflecting on What I learned in Sweden,” Professor Mieko Takahashi, who specializes in the study of Swedish society, gave a lecture on Sweden's policies and societal characteristics, highlighting its long-term commitment to achieving well-being for all.

Next, two students who had actually studied abroad, Ikoi Nishiyama and Naoko Inaba, gave presentations drawing on their own experiences, such as life in Sweden, traditional events, and the atmosphere of the Nobel Week. “Sakaguchi-san” shared his thoughts, saying, “This is going to be my first visit to Sweden in the middle of winter, but the city looks fascinating, so I'm excited.”

The part titled “Exploring the words of the Nobel Prize: through the heart of the Swedish language” featured lectures by Professor Daisuke Furuya, who specialized in the study of Swedish history and culture; Lecturer Yuki Minamisawa, a specialist in linguistic studies; and Specially Appointed Lecturer (full-time) Sava Hashemi, who was born and raised in Stockholm. Many attendees, including “Sakaguchi-san,” were nodding in agreement at the explanation regarding the cultural background embedded in the linguistic expressions, as well as the appropriate behavior expected during the award ceremonies and banquets.

Towards the end, students majoring in Swedish held a Q&A session. When asked questions such as “Will you bring back Nobel Prize medal chocolates as souvenirs for your family?” Distinguished Honorary Professor Sakaguchi answered each one with attention; he replied, “In fact, I've already been asked to bring back a lot of Nobel Prize medal chocolates as souvenirs, but as it would be hard to carry them back, I'm thinking of maybe sending them by post instead.”

Finally, Distinguished Honorary Professor Sakaguchi stated, “I will get down to preparation, taking into consideration what I have learned from all of you today. My Swedish is limited, but I would like to try speaking a word or two, even if only a little.” The event concluded in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Through such initiatives that bridge academia and culture, the University of Osaka will fulfill its mission as a university that “lives locally, grows globally.”

Related Links:
・[BREAKING NEWS] Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon receives 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine!
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/06001-2
・Swedish Major, School of Foreign Studies, The University of Osaka
https://swedish.sfs.osaka-u.ac.jp/
・The University of Osaka Immunology Frontier Research Center
https://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/
・Links to Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon's papers, etc.
https://www.library.osaka-u.ac.jp/news/20251017_common/