The late Unno Tokuji (1933-2022), Professor Emeritus of Asahikawa Medical University, has been awarded the Medicine Prize at the 36th Ig Nobel Prize ceremony for his research “How to Blow One’s Nose.”

The Ig Nobel Prize is an international award given for achievements that “first make people laugh and then make them think.” Professor Unno conducted the research as an early-career researcher at Wakayama Medical University. The research was recognized for scientifically examining, from a perspective no one had seriously pursued before, an action everyone performs every day: blowing one’s nose.

Professor Takahara Miki of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Asahikawa Medical University attended the ceremony on his behalf.

The 36th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony (Official)

The 36th First Annual Ig Nobel Ceremony (2026) FULL SHOW (1:18:30–1:23:00, Medicine Prize award)