The 2025 (34th) Blue Planet Prize Award Ceremony and Congratulatory Party Held

October 28, 2025

The 34th Blue Planet Prize award ceremony and congratulatory party were held today in the gracious presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino.



2025 Blue Planet Prize award ceremony

Introductory Remarks, Laureate Introduction, and Congratulatory Addresses

The ceremony began with opening remarks by Mr. Takuya Shimamura, Chairman of the Asahi Glass Foundation, followed by Professor Ryoji Noyori, Chairman of the Blue Planet Prize Presentation Committee, who introduced the Blue Planet Prize and this year's laureates.

 Chairman Shimamura Chairman of the Blue Planet Prize Presentation Committee

Chairman Shimamura then presented the Blue Planet Prize trophies to the recipients:
・Professor Robert B. Jackson, and
・Dr. Jeremy Leggett.


Presentation of the award Prof. Jackson Presentation of the award Dr. Leggett

Afterwards, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino graciously delivered an address. Congratulatory messages were then offered by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (read on her behalf by Vice Minister Toshimitsu Fujiki of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), Professor Jonathan Levin, President of Stanford University (read by the master of ceremonies), and Ms. Margaret Tongue, Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy in Japan.

His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino

Vice Minister Toshimitsu Fujiki of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry  President Jonathan Levin of Stanford University Minister Counsellor Margaret Tang of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Japan

Acceptance speeches by the 2025 laureates


In his acceptance speech, Professor Robert Jackson reflected on the history and achievements of environmental protection, stating:
"I will donate my Blue Planet Prize funds to Stanford University to help establish the 'Electrification for Health' program, aimed at improving the lives of people in low-income communities."

Dr. Jeremy Leggett, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for his long-standing collaborations with Japan, saying:
"I am deeply grateful for the many colleagues I have worked alongside over the years, and I hope to continue drawing on these shared experiences to further advance efforts against climate change."

Prof. Jackson Dr. Leggett

Congratulatory Party

Following the ceremony, a congratulatory party was held, opening with a toast from Dr. Yoshihiro Hayashi, Chairman of the Blue Planet Prize Selection Committee. The event brought together many guests and stakeholders, creating a warm and memorable occasion to celebrate the laureates' outstanding contributions.

Congratulatory Party toast by Dr. Yoshihiro Hayashi

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