Why It Was Almost Impossible to Make the Blue LED

I came here to learn why blue was so difficult to make… I didn’t know this was the story of a man who discovered a landmark piece of technology. Just the thought of him staring at a small blue light, completely understanding it was his life’s work and his masterpiece. True happiness in a blue glow.

It’s so dumb how it’s never just “this guy changed the world and got compensated fairly for it” there’s always some corporate bs in the way

The man really said "I'm interested in physics" like that's not the understatement of the century

It must be insane being him and being able to look at so many things and go "that is directly the result of MY work and research", that's so awesome.

So he was underfunded, underappreciated and undersold, yet he almost single-handedly created one of the most important technologies in the modern world, a true legend. And I got to learn his story from an interesting, high quality source. Thanks again Derek

Bro really went from "Ignored for not having a PhD" to "Nobel Prize winner"

Breaks my heart to see pioneers of science and technology getting screwed over by greedy corporations. Mr. Nakamura seems like a truly nice and genuine human being. Congratulations Mr. Nakamura

Gallium Nitride is like that one kid no one cares about in school but ends up being the one with the most successful career that everyone will be clinging on for financial support

Don’t ever go back making “television”. This is so much better. A great story from beginning to end with a spectacular entry of the main character. No spoilers, no previews. YouTube at its best. TV will never reach this level of storytelling. Hats off to your illustrator too.

Mr. Nakamura is a hidden giant everyone should know more about. Incredible tenacity and great video.

My mom worked for Shuji Nakamura’s LED lighting startup company, Soraa, during the 2010s. Apparently he’s a really nice guy, and he even let my mom hold the Nobel Prize medal once. He made such a huge contribution to society, but is still a down-to-earth guy.

Look at him speaking, walking, always smiling. He's so happy to talk about his accomplishment. That's a fulfilled man right there. That's what excruciating work gets you.

Disobedience in Japan is extreme rare. This guy is TWO true heroes.

One of the greatest examples of how we only see the end result of hard work. My man worked 84 hour weeks for over 18 months just to hit the first clue that he was on the right path. That's a level of tenacity that I cannot help but admire.

Robotics engineering student here, if I ever met this man I think I would faint before I got the chance to thank him for his innovation. I don't think he'll ever stop being famous in like every STEM field, what an absolute legend

Imagine having a the balls to listen to lecture, tell the man working in your lab that he doesnt know what he's doing despite everyone doing what you recommend is failing, then when he actually succeed in his world changing, billion dollar creation you not only don't reward him but you also spite him by giving him the lowest bonus in history. Then when he leaves because you quite literally spat in his face you try to sue him AND you also make sure he doesn't get his just rewards despite the law actually thinks he deserves them. THEN when the man gets a god damn nobel prize and says HE wants to make amends you turn him down???? Quite honestly I'm going to start looking if the bulbs i buy are made by Nishia and avoid them like the plague. I don't think I've heard of a more severe case of corporate hubris

What a success story! I wish he was successful in compensation side in Japan, but I guess they lost him because of that. Happy to see him thrive now.

I absolutely love the way Nakamura walks while wildly swinging his hands.

I can't believe you interviewed Nakamura-sensei himself. Loves his humour and humble personality in the video. Thanks for making this documentary. I learnt a lot about the making of LEDs.

I had just started work as a graphic designer at a sign company in 2007 when I had learned that not all LED colors cost the same or perform the same, and that blue had been very difficult or impossible for a long time. Now I will finally satisfy my curiosity on the subject (hopefully)