Scientific specialisms

Chemistry and the physical sciences together contribute more than three-quarters of Japan’s overall Share in the Nature Index. The concentration in chemistry is higher in both China and South Korea, however. Life sciences, meanwhile, contribute 23.9% towards Japan’s overall Share, a relatively high level compared with Japan’s near-neighbours.

Bar charts showing the contribution of chemistry, physical, life and Earth & environmental sciences to Japan's overall Share

Source: Nature Index. Data analysis by Bo Wu. Infographic by Simon Baker and Tanner Maxwell.

Field trends

Among individual fields of research, inorganic and organic chemistry contribute the most towards Japan’s overall Share in the Nature Index (top chart). However, their influence has been falling since 2015, tracking a similar trend for their contribution to research globally in the index (bottom chart).

Line graphs showing how various research fields contribute to Japan's Share compared with globally

Source: Nature Index. Data analysis by Bo Wu. Infographic by Simon Baker and Tanner Maxwell.