On October 17, the Japanese government announced the recipients of the 2025 Order of Culture and other honors, and Dr. Hisashi Yamamoto, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Peptide Research Center, was selected to receive the Order of Culture. Professor Yamamoto pioneered research on chiral Lewis acid catalysts, demonstrating their usefulness and opening a new field called “molecular acid catalysis,” which is highly effective in the formation of asymmetric carbon frameworks.
Research Field
Asymmetric synthesis, reaction organic chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, biofunctional chemistry, coordination organometallic catalysis catalysis
Biographical Summary:
- March 1967: Graduated from Kyoto University Faculty of Engineering
- March 1971: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Harvard University
- June 1971: Researcher, Toray Industries, Inc.
- April 1972: Instructor, Kyoto University
- October 1976: Lecturer, Kyoto University
- September 1977: Associate Professor, University of Hawai’i
- April 1980: Associate Professor, Nagoya University
- April 1983: Professor, Nagoya University
- July 2002: Professor, The University of Chicago (until July 2012)
- April 2003: Professor Emeritus, Nagoya University
- April 2011: Professor, Chubu University (until March 2022)
- July 2012: Professor Emeritus, The University of Chicago
- April 2023: Distinguished Professor, Chubu University
Comment from Professor Hisashi Yamamoto:
My research on acid catalysts was conducted until 2012, and following that, I began researching peptides. The work I conducted on acid catalysts continues to influence peptide research today. One aspect of my peptide research focuses on innovation in peptide synthesis. Peptide synthesis traditionally requires many steps, and the complexity of those operations hindered its development. I discovered a method called the ‘Two-by-Two’ approach, which allows the elongation of peptide chains with two or more amino acids in a single step, greatly simplifying the process.
Another area of my research is peptide selection. Conventional methods face the challenge that the number of peptide isomers is nearly infinite, making it impossible to analyze all of them. We addressed this issue by developing a technique capable of measuring the activity of all isomers. This advancement enables the design of peptide drugs by selecting the optimal amino acid sequences. Through these methods, I believe we have fundamentally transformed peptide drug discovery.
Comment from the Chair, Chubu University Educational Corporation
I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations to Professor Hisashi Yamamoto on the announcement of his selection as recipient of the Order of Culture. Professor Yamamoto, Director of the Peptide Research Center at Chubu University, graduated from Kyoto University and completed his doctoral studies at Harvard University. He subsequently taught at Kyoto University, the University of Hawai’i, Nagoya University, and the University of Chicago. In 2011, he joined Chubu University as a professor, and he currently serves as a Distinguished Professor. Professor Yamamoto has achieved remarkable success in peptide synthesis using Lewis acid catalysis and in producing high-quality peptides free of isomers. He has received numerous awards, including the Roger Adams Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of organic chemistry. We are extremely proud and deeply honored that Professor Yamamoto’s achievements have culminated in this recognition. We sincerely appreciate that this award will serve as a source of great inspiration and hope for the next generation of researchers and for our students who strive for academic achievement. All the faculty and staff at Chubu University will take this achievement as a great encouragement as we continue to strive for further growth and development. I am hopeful that researchers following in the footsteps of Professor Yamamoto will be fostered at Chubu University.
Yoshimi Takeuchi
Chair, Chubu University Educational Corporation
Comments from the President, Chubu University
I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Hisashi Yamamoto on receiving the Order of Culture.
Professor Yamamoto has pioneered new frontiers in the complex filed of chemistry, striving to address challenges facing humanity and society through the power of chemistry. He has demonstrated outstanding ability and achieved remarkable results, earning numerous prestigious international awards in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
After serving at Kyoto University, the University of Hawai‘i, Nagoya University, and the University of Chicago, Professor Yamamoto joined Chubu University in 2011, where he has continued to advance his research. Notably, he invented a highly efficient method for synthesizing high-quality peptides free of isomers, which is being applied toward the development of life-saving medicines.
Professor Yamamoto’s research and lectures inspire courage and determination among listeners. This distinguished honor is a great source of encouragement for our university. On behalf of all faculty, staff, and students, we extend our warmest congratulations.
Masayoshi Maeshima President of Chubu University