Japan L'Oreal's 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' Winner Honored 'Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026'
Hikari Okita, a recipient of Japan L'Oreal's 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award,' has been selected for the 'Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026' list in the 'Healthcare & Science' category. Okita conducts research in nucleic acid chemistry, exploring the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life. This selection highlights the importance of supporting female scientists and promoting gender equality.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 15, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 15, 2026 at 13:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 16, 2026 at 00:07 (10h 45m after Collected)
Japan L'Oreal Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Jean-Pierre Charbonnier), the Japanese subsidiary of L'Oreal Group (Headquarters: Paris), the world's largest cosmetics company, announces that Hikari Okita (Assistant Professor, Institute of Biomaterials Science, Tokyo University of Science), one of the 2025 recipients of the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award,' has been selected as one of the 300 entrepreneurs, leaders, and pioneers under the age of 30 in various countries in Asia in the 'Healthcare & Science' category of the 'Forbes 30 UNDER 30 ASIA' list, which is selected by Forbes.
The 'Forbes 30 UNDER 30 ASIA' list, which has been identifying and supporting the next generation of global leaders in various fields such as business, sports, and science, has produced its fourth recipient from the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award,' following Hanae Watanabe, the 2019 (14th) recipient, Yuka Fujishiro, the 2020 (15th) recipient, and Haruka Sasaki, the 2022 (17th) recipient.
Hikari Okita commented as follows on this selection;
'I am deeply honored to be selected for the Healthcare & Science category of 'Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026.' I feel that this honor is due to the opportunity to have many people know about my research, thanks to receiving the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award.' I am very pleased to be able to join this list as the fourth recipient following the wonderful previous recipients. I am able to continue my career as a researcher thanks to the warm support of many people, including my teachers in the laboratory, my mentors who have supported me so far, and my friends and family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude. In the future, I would like to continue challenging myself in nucleic acid chemistry research, which explores the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life, and contribute to society with joy.'
Jean-Pierre Charbonnier, Representative Director and President of Japan L'Oreal, commented as follows on this honor;
'I am very pleased that Ms. Okita has been selected for this prestigious list and is fully demonstrating her talent not only in Japan but also on the world stage. The 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' aims to promote gender equality in the scientific field through the support of young female scientists and believes that promoting research from multiple perspectives will contribute to the development of Japan as a science-oriented nation. We hope that Ms. Okita's achievements will not only contribute to the solution of this important issue but also serve as a role model for the next generation considering STEM education and provide a great source of inspiration for young people aspiring to enter STEM fields. Japan L'Oreal will continue to actively support outstanding young female researchers like Ms. Okita and contribute to the realization of the motto of this program, 'The world needs science, and science needs women.'
About the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award'
The 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' was established in 2005 as the domestic version of the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award' with the cooperation of the Japan National Commission for UNESCO. The purpose of this award is to encourage young female scientists in Japan to continue their research activities. The award targets female scientists (under 40 years old) in the fields of material science and life science who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a doctoral program. Each year, the award grants a scholarship of 1 million yen to a total of four recipients, two from each field. By 2025, 75 young female scientists will have received the award, and after receiving the award, they will further develop their careers and actively participate in both domestic and international activities. The announcement of the recipients for the 2026 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' is scheduled for around September.
Hikari Okita Profile
Research Field: Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Connection between Society and Research: Demonstrating the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life and contributing to the establishment of a foundational system for artificial life based on the primitive Earth
Research Content: Chemical genetic information transmission system using nucleic acids derived from natural amino acids for the creation of artificial life
About L'Oreal Group
For 117 years, L'Oreal has been a leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, dedicated to meeting the beauty aspirations and needs of consumers around the world. Our purpose, 'Creating Beauty that Moves the World,' comprehensively represents our commitment to contributing to society and the environment in a sustainable, inclusive, ethical, and generous way through beauty. Through a diverse and extensive brand portfolio, including 40 international brands, and the 'L'Oreal for the Future' program, which aims for sustainable development and environmental protection, we celebrate the infinite diversity of beauty and deliver the highest quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity, and responsibility to all people in the world. The company has more than 90,000 employees, a balanced global footprint, and distribution channels in all sectors (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, salons, brand, and travel retail). The group's sales in 2025 amounted to 44.05 billion euros. L'Oreal, with 21 research and development centers in 13 countries, more than 4,000 scientists, and more than 8,000 digital talents, places great importance on creating the future of beauty and promoting beauty technology.
In 2025, the L'Oreal Group was selected as the 'Most Innovative Company' from 21 countries in Europe and 16 industries in a ranking of innovative companies announced by Fortune magazine.
For more details, please visit https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom.
About Japan L'Oreal
L'Oreal has been operating in Japan since 1963, and Japan L'Oreal Corporation was established in 1996. The company has 2,300 employees (as of the end of 2024) and handles 20 brands. It engages in the import, manufacture, sale, and marketing of cosmetics. Japan is one of the important strategic bases for the L'Oreal Group, consisting of the Shinjuku headquarters, which handles sales and marketing for other brands in addition to the brand headquarters functions of Shiseido and Takami (product planning and global deployment measures), branches nationwide, the research and development base in Kawasaki (Japan L'Oreal Research & Innovation Center), and the manufacturing plant in Gotemba (Cosmerol Corporation).
https://www.loreal.com/ja-jp/japan/
The 'Forbes 30 UNDER 30 ASIA' list, which has been identifying and supporting the next generation of global leaders in various fields such as business, sports, and science, has produced its fourth recipient from the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award,' following Hanae Watanabe, the 2019 (14th) recipient, Yuka Fujishiro, the 2020 (15th) recipient, and Haruka Sasaki, the 2022 (17th) recipient.
Hikari Okita commented as follows on this selection;
'I am deeply honored to be selected for the Healthcare & Science category of 'Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026.' I feel that this honor is due to the opportunity to have many people know about my research, thanks to receiving the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award.' I am very pleased to be able to join this list as the fourth recipient following the wonderful previous recipients. I am able to continue my career as a researcher thanks to the warm support of many people, including my teachers in the laboratory, my mentors who have supported me so far, and my friends and family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude. In the future, I would like to continue challenging myself in nucleic acid chemistry research, which explores the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life, and contribute to society with joy.'
Jean-Pierre Charbonnier, Representative Director and President of Japan L'Oreal, commented as follows on this honor;
'I am very pleased that Ms. Okita has been selected for this prestigious list and is fully demonstrating her talent not only in Japan but also on the world stage. The 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' aims to promote gender equality in the scientific field through the support of young female scientists and believes that promoting research from multiple perspectives will contribute to the development of Japan as a science-oriented nation. We hope that Ms. Okita's achievements will not only contribute to the solution of this important issue but also serve as a role model for the next generation considering STEM education and provide a great source of inspiration for young people aspiring to enter STEM fields. Japan L'Oreal will continue to actively support outstanding young female researchers like Ms. Okita and contribute to the realization of the motto of this program, 'The world needs science, and science needs women.'
About the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award'
The 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' was established in 2005 as the domestic version of the 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award' with the cooperation of the Japan National Commission for UNESCO. The purpose of this award is to encourage young female scientists in Japan to continue their research activities. The award targets female scientists (under 40 years old) in the fields of material science and life science who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a doctoral program. Each year, the award grants a scholarship of 1 million yen to a total of four recipients, two from each field. By 2025, 75 young female scientists will have received the award, and after receiving the award, they will further develop their careers and actively participate in both domestic and international activities. The announcement of the recipients for the 2026 'L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award' is scheduled for around September.
Hikari Okita Profile
Research Field: Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Connection between Society and Research: Demonstrating the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life and contributing to the establishment of a foundational system for artificial life based on the primitive Earth
Research Content: Chemical genetic information transmission system using nucleic acids derived from natural amino acids for the creation of artificial life
About L'Oreal Group
For 117 years, L'Oreal has been a leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, dedicated to meeting the beauty aspirations and needs of consumers around the world. Our purpose, 'Creating Beauty that Moves the World,' comprehensively represents our commitment to contributing to society and the environment in a sustainable, inclusive, ethical, and generous way through beauty. Through a diverse and extensive brand portfolio, including 40 international brands, and the 'L'Oreal for the Future' program, which aims for sustainable development and environmental protection, we celebrate the infinite diversity of beauty and deliver the highest quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity, and responsibility to all people in the world. The company has more than 90,000 employees, a balanced global footprint, and distribution channels in all sectors (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, salons, brand, and travel retail). The group's sales in 2025 amounted to 44.05 billion euros. L'Oreal, with 21 research and development centers in 13 countries, more than 4,000 scientists, and more than 8,000 digital talents, places great importance on creating the future of beauty and promoting beauty technology.
In 2025, the L'Oreal Group was selected as the 'Most Innovative Company' from 21 countries in Europe and 16 industries in a ranking of innovative companies announced by Fortune magazine.
For more details, please visit https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom.
About Japan L'Oreal
L'Oreal has been operating in Japan since 1963, and Japan L'Oreal Corporation was established in 1996. The company has 2,300 employees (as of the end of 2024) and handles 20 brands. It engages in the import, manufacture, sale, and marketing of cosmetics. Japan is one of the important strategic bases for the L'Oreal Group, consisting of the Shinjuku headquarters, which handles sales and marketing for other brands in addition to the brand headquarters functions of Shiseido and Takami (product planning and global deployment measures), branches nationwide, the research and development base in Kawasaki (Japan L'Oreal Research & Innovation Center), and the manufacturing plant in Gotemba (Cosmerol Corporation).
https://www.loreal.com/ja-jp/japan/
FAQ
What is the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award?
The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Encouragement Award is an award established in 2005 to support young female scientists in Japan, presenting scholarships to women scientists active in the fields of material science and life science.
What is Hikari Okita's research field?
Hikari Okita's research field is nucleic acid chemistry, conducting research on the possibilities of unknown genetic substances in the origin of life.
What is Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia?
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia is a list selected by Forbes that honors entrepreneurs, leaders, and pioneers under the age of 30 who are active in various countries in Asia.
Who is the representative director of Japan L'Oreal?
The representative director of Japan L'Oreal is Jean-Pierre Charbonnier.
What is the sales of L'Oreal Group?
The sales of L'Oreal Group in 2025 is 44.05 billion euros.