I am thankful to Nichia Chemical Corporation and its founder

When Shuji Nakamura proclaims, “I am thankful to Nichia Chemical Corporation and its founder Nobu Ogawa, who gave me the research opportunity to create a blue LED,” he speaks with the humility of a man whose work changed the world, yet who remembers that his greatness was born from a single gift: an opportunity. His words resound with gratitude not for wealth or accolades, but for the chance to labor in pursuit of discovery. The blue LED, a light that now illuminates billions of lives, began not as a guaranteed triumph but as a fragile possibility nurtured by support, trust, and faith.

At the heart of his statement is the truth that innovation is not forged in isolation. Behind every discovery lies an environment that allows curiosity to take root and grow. Nakamura did not simply conjure the blue LED from thin air; he was given a platform by Nichia Chemical Corporation and the vision of its founder, Nobu Ogawa, who dared to entrust him with the resources and freedom to pursue what seemed impossible. Gratitude here becomes a recognition that progress is the fruit not only of the inventor’s hands, but of the trust bestowed by those who believe in the inventor’s dream.

This tale recalls the story of Galileo Galilei, whose patrons in Florence enabled him to pursue his astronomical studies. Without their protection and resources, his telescope might never have revealed the moons of Jupiter, and humanity might have waited longer to awaken to the vastness of the heavens. Just so, Nakamura’s work flourished because of the soil in which it was planted. The opportunity was as vital as the genius, for even the most brilliant seed cannot sprout in barren ground.

Nakamura’s words also remind us of the power of gratitude in success. Many who achieve greatness are tempted to believe they rose by their own strength alone. But he bows to those who enabled him, acknowledging that behind every scientific milestone stands a chain of mentors, benefactors, and institutions. Such humility does not diminish his achievement; rather, it ennobles it. For to remember one’s roots is to strengthen the legacy of one’s work, ensuring that the light of inspiration passes not only through the invention but through the story of how it came to be.

The creation of the blue LED was no small matter — it opened the door to energy-efficient lighting, bright displays, and a revolution in technology that touched every corner of modern life. Yet Nakamura does not boast of these triumphs in his quote. Instead, he draws our attention to the moment before the triumph, when all that existed was the trust of a company and its founder. This shows us that even world-changing breakthroughs begin with simple human choices: a decision to support, a willingness to risk, a belief in potential.

For us, the teaching is luminous: be thankful for the opportunities granted to you, however small they may seem. Do not despise humble beginnings or underestimate those who give you a chance. Just as Nobu Ogawa’s faith in Nakamura led to a discovery that reshaped the modern world, so too may a single opportunity in your life lead to consequences beyond imagination. Honor those who open doors for you by walking through them with diligence, perseverance, and humility.

Therefore, let this lesson be carried forward: true greatness is not only the discovery itself but the gratitude to those who made discovery possible. Be thankful for your mentors, your supporters, and your opportunities. Use them not for vanity but for the betterment of all. For as Shuji Nakamura shows us, the light of innovation does not shine from genius alone, but from the union of faith, opportunity, and perseverance — a light that, once kindled, may illuminate the world for generations to come.