[Nobel Diary Day 1] Professor Shimon Sakaguchi Departs for the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony

Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, departed today from Itami Airport to attend the award ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.

Prior to his departure, an on-the-spot interview was held inside Itami Airport.
At the beginning of the interview, Professor Sakaguchi shared his current feelings before departure: “I’ve been busy since the award was announced, but I've finally got this far. I'm looking forward to meeting my co-recipients and the other laureates in Sweden.”

When asked about the “Nobel Week,” which will feature the award ceremony and commemorative lectures, he smiled and said, “I’d like to enjoy the eventful Nobel Week as much as possible.”

Regarding the Nobel Lecture, where he will share his research on regulatory T cells—the subject of his award—he expressed his enthusiasm: “I plan to discuss the trajectory of my research to date and the prospects for how regulatory T cells can be utilized to treat and prevent diseases.

During the Q&A session with reporters, when asked if he was fully prepared for the Nobel Week, he replied, “I intend to thoroughly cram the content of my lecture into my head based on the slides I've prepared so far.” He also mentioned his interaction with students and faculty majoring in Swedish at the university’s School of Foreign Studies on November 19, saying, "I'm very grateful to have been able to gain knowledge about Sweden in advance of the award ceremony." The whole interview proceeded in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Professor Sakaguchi departed for the glorious city of Stockholm, seen off by members of the press and others. Upon his arrival, the Nobel Week will finally begin.

The “Nobel Diary” will bring you updates on Professor Sakaguchi during, before, and after the Nobel Week. Stay tuned for future updates!