# Makoto Nagao

> Japanese computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q6739954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6739954)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makoto_Nagao)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/makoto-nagao

## Summary
Makoto Nagao was a Japanese computer scientist and librarian who served as Director General of the National Diet Library from 2007 to 2012. He made significant contributions to computer science and was recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Japan Prize and Order of Culture.

## Biography
- Born: 1936-10-04 in Mie Prefecture
- Nationality: Japan
- Education: Kyoto University
- Known for: Pioneering work in computer science, digital library systems, and natural language processing
- Employer(s): Kyoto University, National Diet Library (Director General, 2007-2012)
- Field(s): Computer science, library science, natural language processing

## Contributions
Makoto Nagao dedicated his career to advancing computer science applications in library systems and natural language processing. As a professor at Kyoto University, he supervised doctoral research that produced influential computer scientists including Jun'ichi Tsujii and Takeo Kanade. Nagao served as Director General of the National Diet Library from 2007 to 2012, where he likely implemented digital preservation and access systems for Japan's national library. His work bridged the gap between traditional library science and emerging computer technologies, earning him recognition as one of Japan's leading computer scientists. His influence extended through decades of teaching and mentorship, establishing a research lineage that continues to impact the field today.

## FAQs
### Q: What awards did Makoto Nagao receive?
A: Makoto Nagao received several prestigious awards including the IEEE Emanuel R. Piore Award (1993), C&C Prize (1999), Japan Prize (2005), Person of Cultural Merit (2008), and the Order of Culture (2018).

### Q: Who were Makoto Nagao's most notable students?
A: His notable doctoral students include Jun'ichi Tsujii, Takeo Kanade, Sadao Kurohashi, Yuji Matsumoto, and Shinsuke Mori, all of whom became prominent computer scientists.

### Q: What leadership positions did Makoto Nagao hold?
A: He served as Director General of the National Diet Library from 2007 to 2012 and was a member of the Japan Academy since 2014.

### Q: Where was Makoto Nagao educated?
A: He was educated at Kyoto University, where he later became a professor and established his research career.

## Why They Matter
Makoto Nagao's significance lies in his dual expertise in computer science and library science, which he leveraged to advance digital library systems and information access in Japan. His leadership at the National Diet Library positioned him to shape national information policy during a critical period of digital transformation. As an educator, he trained a generation of influential researchers including Jun'ichi Tsujii and Takeo Kanade, whose work continues to influence artificial intelligence and natural language processing globally. Without Nagao's bridge-building between traditional librarianship and computer technology, Japan's digital library infrastructure might have developed differently, potentially impacting how knowledge is preserved and accessed in the digital age.

## Notable For
- Director General of the National Diet Library (2007-2012)
- Recipient of the Order of Culture (2018), one of Japan's highest honors
- Supervisor of prominent computer scientists including Jun'ichi Tsujii and Takeo Kanade
- Member of the Japan Academy since 2014
- Pioneer in applying computer science to library and information systems

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Makoto Nagao was born on October 4, 1936, in Mie Prefecture, Japan. He pursued his higher education at Kyoto University, where he later established his academic career and research laboratory.

### Academic Career
Nagao spent the majority of his academic career at Kyoto University, where he served as a professor and established himself as a leading figure in computer science. His research focused on natural language processing and digital library systems. He supervised numerous doctoral students who went on to become prominent researchers in their own right.

### National Diet Library Leadership
From 2007 to 2012, Nagao served as Director General of the National Diet Library, Japan's national library. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the library's operations and strategic direction during a period of significant digital transformation.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Nagao received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to computer science and information science. These included the IEEE Emanuel R. Piore Award (1993), the C&C Prize (1999), the Japan Prize (2005), the Person of Cultural Merit (2008), and the Order of Culture (2018).

### Death
Makoto Nagao passed away on May 23, 2021, in Kyoto, Japan, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in computer science and information management.

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  "birthDate": "1936-10-04",
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## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/piore_rl.pdf)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. [Source](http://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/members/5/nagao_makoto.html)
6. [Obituary Notice | The Japan Academy](https://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/news/2021/052601.html)
7. Integrated Authority File
8. IdRef