Heisuke Hironaka’s Journey

Heisuke Hironaka spent his life promoting mathematical science research as a tool for connecting academia and society. The following two articles serve as valuable resources for understanding his philosophy and life’s work.

The first is an interview published in the journal of the American Mathematical Society, “Notices of the American Mathematical Society.” In the interview titled “Interview with Heisuke Hironaka” ( AMS Notices, Vol. 52, No. 9, 2005, pp. 1010-1019), Hironaka speaks in his own words about the origins of his research, his philosophy of education, and the possibilities of mathematical sciences. His flexible thinking and heartfelt words reveal the depth and breadth of his academic perspective.

The second is an introductory article by Tadao Oda, titled “On the Occasion of Heisuke Hironaka’s Receipt of the Legion of Honour,” published in the Mathematical Society of Japan’s journal, “Mathematical Communications” (数学通信) ( Vol. 8, No. 4, 2004, pp. 20-24). This article describes Hironaka’s long-standing activities and achievements in research and educational outreach, and their social significance. Particularly impressive are his passion for educating the next generation and his spirit of international cultural exchange through mathematics.

These records not only chronicle Heisuke Hironaka’s “journey within mathematics and mathematical science” but also raise forward-looking questions about the role that mathematics should play in society.