Received 'Asahi Shimbun Prize' and 'Invention Implementation Achievement Prize' at the FY2026 National Commendation for Invention

Nissan Chemical Corporation is pleased to announce that our invention, 'Invention of a rice herbicide against herbicide-resistant weeds,' has received the Asahi Shimbun Prize and the Invention Implementation Achievement Prize at the FY2026 National Commendation for Invention, hosted by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation. This marks the third consecutive year for our company to receive an award at the National Commendation for Invention, and the second consecutive year for the Invention Implementation Achievement Prize.

This invention concerns the herbicide Metazosulfuron (nickname: Altea®), which supports rice farming sites by controlling paddy weeds, including resistant varieties. Since its domestic launch in 2013, it has been widely adopted as a rice herbicide and continues to contribute to labor-saving and stable rice yields by demonstrating high efficacy against resistant weeds and hard-to-control weeds such as Chinese water chestnut. In recent years, overseas sales have also been expanding.

[Winners of the 'Asahi Shimbun Prize']
- Yoshitake Tamada, Director and General Manager of Material Science Research Institute
- Manabu Saeki, General Manager of Product Development Department, Planning & Development Division, Agricultural Chemicals Business Group
- Kiyohiko Nakaya, General Manager of Pesticide Research Department, Material Science Research Institute
- Hiroshi Kita, General Affairs Department, Toyama Plant
- Tetsuhiko Yano, General Manager of Pesticide Research Department, Biological Science Research Institute
*Current affiliations

[Winner of the 'Invention Implementation Achievement Prize']
- Shinsuke Yagi, Representative Director and President

Nissan Chemical will continue its R&D activities aiming to create excellent inventions.

[About the National Commendation for Invention]
This award program began in 1919 with the aim of contributing to the improvement of Japan's science and technology and industrial development. Since then, it has left significant marks on the development of today's science and technology by honoring the achievements of many researchers and scientists who represent Japan. The award recognizes inventions, ideas, or designs that have made significant contributions, or those expected to make significant contributions in the future due to their excellence. (Source: Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation website)