Overview

• Kitagawa, 74, of Kyoto University won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering metal–organic frameworks, porous materials that can selectively store and release gases.
• Arriving at the university’s Yoshida Campus, he was greeted by about 100 people and told a press conference the recognition brings new pressure and a “mountain of work” to advance the field.
• He recalled thinking the notification call was a sales pitch before realizing it was from the chair of the Nobel selection committee.
• His 1997 MOF findings drew sharp criticism at international forums before later acceptance opened paths for applications such as carbon dioxide removal and safer storage and transport of hydrogen and methane.
• Editorials in Japan noted two science Nobels for Japanese researchers this week and a cumulative 27 in the natural sciences, urging sustained support for basic research to turn MOF advances into environmental and energy solutions.