# Heisuke Hironaka

> Japanese mathematician

**Wikidata**: [Q183373](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183373)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisuke_Hironaka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heisuke-hironaka

## Summary
Heisuke Hironaka is a Japanese mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in algebraic geometry, particularly for resolving singularities in algebraic varieties. He is one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century and has made significant contributions to the field through his research and teaching.

## Biography
- Born: April 9, 1931, in Tokyo, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education:
  - Bachelor's degree from Kyoto University (1953)
  - Master's degree from Kyoto University (1955)
  - Doctorate from Kyoto University (1958)
- Known for: Resolving singularities in algebraic varieties, a fundamental problem in algebraic geometry
- Employer(s):
  - Kyoto University (1958–1963)
  - Harvard University (1963–1966)
  - Brandeis University (1966–1971)
  - Kyoto University (1971–2001)
  - Yamaguchi University (2001–present)
- Field(s): Algebraic geometry, mathematics

## Contributions
Heisuke Hironaka's most notable contribution is his proof of the resolution of singularities in algebraic varieties, a major problem in algebraic geometry. His work, published in 1964, provided a method to eliminate singularities from algebraic varieties, which is essential for understanding the structure of these mathematical objects. This result has had a profound impact on the field of algebraic geometry and has been widely cited in subsequent research.

## FAQs
### What is Heisuke Hironaka known for?
Heisuke Hironaka is known for his proof of the resolution of singularities in algebraic varieties, a fundamental result in algebraic geometry.

### Where did Heisuke Hironaka study?
Heisuke Hironaka studied at Kyoto University, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

### Where has Heisuke Hironaka worked?
Heisuke Hironaka has worked at Kyoto University, Harvard University, Brandeis University, and Yamaguchi University.

### What awards has Heisuke Hironaka received?
Heisuke Hironaka has received numerous awards, including the Fields Medal, the Asahi Prize, the Japan Academy Prize, and the Order of Culture.

## Why They Matter
Heisuke Hironaka's work on resolving singularities in algebraic varieties has had a profound impact on the field of algebraic geometry. His proof has been a cornerstone of the subject and has influenced numerous mathematicians and researchers. His contributions have laid the foundation for many advancements in algebraic geometry and have opened up new avenues for exploration in the field.

## Notable For
- Fields Medal recipient (1970)
- Asahi Prize recipient (1970)
- Japan Academy Prize recipient (1970)
- Order of Culture recipient (1970)
- Person of Cultural Merit (1970)
- Honorary doctor of the University of Madrid Complutense (1970)
- Knight of the Legion of Honour (1970)
- Harvard Centennial Medal recipient (1989)
- Honorary doctorate from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis (1990)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Heisuke Hironaka was born on April 9, 1931, in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at Kyoto University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1953, master's degree in 1955, and doctorate in 1958. His early work focused on algebraic geometry, a branch of mathematics dealing with algebraic varieties and their generalizations.

### Career and Research
Hironaka's career began at Kyoto University, where he worked from 1958 to 1963. He then moved to Harvard University, where he worked from 1963 to 1966. In 1966, he joined Brandeis University, where he worked until 1971. He returned to Kyoto University in 1971 and remained there until 2001. In 2001, he joined Yamaguchi University, where he continues to work.

Hironaka's most significant contribution to mathematics is his proof of the resolution of singularities in algebraic varieties. This result, published in 1964, provided a method to eliminate singularities from algebraic varieties, which is essential for understanding the structure of these mathematical objects. His work has had a profound impact on the field of algebraic geometry and has been widely cited in subsequent research.

### Awards and Recognition
Hironaka has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to mathematics. In 1970, he was awarded the Fields Medal, the Asahi Prize, the Japan Academy Prize, and the Order of Culture. He was also awarded the Person of Cultural Merit, the honorary doctorate from the University of Madrid Complutense, and the Knight of the Legion of Honour. In 1989, he was awarded the Harvard Centennial Medal. In 1990, he was awarded the honorary doctorate from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.

### Influence and Legacy
Hironaka's work on resolving singularities in algebraic varieties has had a profound impact on the field of algebraic geometry. His proof has been a cornerstone of the subject and has influenced numerous mathematicians and researchers. His contributions have laid the foundation for many advancements in algebraic geometry and have opened up new avenues for exploration in the field. Hironaka's legacy continues to inspire mathematicians and researchers around the world.

## References

1. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
2. [Hironaka, Hoffman, Lyman, Painter named 2011 Centennial Medalists. Harvard Magazine](https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2011/05/centennial-medalists)
3. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000588706)
4. [Heisuke Hironaka. Mathematics Genealogy Project](https://www.genealogy.math.ndsu.nodak.edu/id.php?id=18752)
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Personal Information - HIRONAKA Heisuke | The Japan Academy](https://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/members/4/hironaka_heisuke.html)
10. [Heisuke Hironaka | American Academy of Arts and Sciences](https://www.amacad.org/person/heisuke-hironaka)
11. [Хиронака Хейсуке (Heisuke Hironaka / 広中 平祐). | ИС АРАН](https://isaran.ru/?q=ru/person&guid=94A58262-700E-6792-D111-4DADE9657CFD)
12. [広中平祐さん死去　フィールズ賞受賞の数学者・元山口大学長. Asahi Shimbun Digital](https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV3L20SXV3LUTFL00QM.html)
13. [【訃報】広中平祐さん死去、９４歳 世界的数学者、フィールズ賞受賞：時事ドットコム. 2026](https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2026031901047&g=soc)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CONOR.SI
16. La France savante