Professor Okamoto is a native of Osaka, Japan and received his bachelor's (1964), master's (1966), and doctoral (1969) degrees from Osaka University. After receiving his PhD, Professor Okamoto joined the faculty at Osaka University and remained there until 1990, when he moved to Nagoya University as a full professor. He continues his scientific research there today as a member of the EcoTopia Science Institute. Professor Okamoto's research interests include: Stereocontrol in polymerization reactions Asymmetric polymerization Optically active polymers Enantioseparation by HPLC Recognition of his accomplishments includes: Fujiwara Prize (2005) Presidency of the Society of Polymer Science in Japan (2004) Medal with Purple Ribbon from Japanese Government (2002) Chirality Medal (2001) Award of the Chemical Society of Japan (1999)