# Takao Nishizeki

> Japanese mathematician and computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q17210838](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17210838)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takao_Nishizeki)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/takao-nishizeki

## Summary
Takao Nishizeki was a Japanese mathematician and computer scientist who specialized in graph algorithms and informatics. He was born February 11, 1947, and died January 31, 2022, making significant contributions to theoretical computer science throughout his career. He was recognized as an ACM Fellow in 1996 and held positions at prestigious institutions including Tohoku University and Kwansei Gakuin University.

## Biography
- Born: February 11, 1947
- Nationality: Japan
- Education: Tohoku University
- Known for: Graph algorithm research and contributions to informatics
- Employer(s): Kwansei Gakuin University, Tohoku University
- Field(s): Computer science, mathematics, informatics, graph algorithms

## Contributions
Takao Nishizeki made fundamental contributions to graph theory and algorithm design, particularly in developing efficient algorithms for various graph problems. His work focused extensively on planar graphs, graph coloring, and network flow algorithms that became foundational in computer science applications. As a prolific researcher, he published numerous papers on graph algorithms that advanced the theoretical understanding of computational complexity and practical implementations. His research in informatics extended beyond pure mathematics to include computational systems for data storage and retrieval, contributing to the broader field of computer science. Through his academic positions at Tohoku University and Kwansei Gakuin University, he mentored students and researchers while continuing his own research program. His scholarly output included significant work on charts, diagrams, and visualization techniques that helped bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications in computer science education and research.

## FAQs
### Q: What field was Takao Nishizeki best known for?
A: Takao Nishizeki was best known for his work in graph algorithms and informatics, with significant contributions to theoretical computer science and mathematics.

### Q: When did Takao Nishizeki become an ACM Fellow?
A: Takao Nishizeki became an ACM Fellow in 1996, recognizing his outstanding contributions to computing.

### Q: Where did Takao Nishizeki work during his career?
A: Takao Nishizeki worked at Tohoku University and Kwansei Gakuin University during his academic career.

## Why They Matter
Takao Nishizeki's work fundamentally shaped the field of graph algorithms, providing theoretical foundations that underpin many modern computational applications. His research contributed to the development of efficient algorithms for planar graphs and network optimization problems that are essential in computer graphics, circuit design, and network analysis. The algorithms he developed have been incorporated into various software systems and continue to influence how computational problems are approached in both academia and industry. His recognition as an ACM Fellow in 1996 and IEEE Fellow demonstrates the international impact of his work on the computing community. Through his teaching and research supervision, he influenced a generation of computer scientists and mathematicians, extending his impact beyond his own publications to the work of his students and collaborators. His contributions to informatics helped establish connections between mathematical theory and practical computational systems, advancing the field's understanding of data storage and retrieval mechanisms.

## Notable For
• ACM Fellow (1996) - Recognized for outstanding contributions to computing
• IEEE Fellow - Honored for achievements in electrical engineering and computer science
• Specialization in graph algorithms and informatics at major Japanese universities
• Extensive research output in theoretical computer science and mathematics
• Member of the Association for Computing Machinery and other professional organizations

## Body
### Academic Career
Takao Nishizeki held positions at two prominent Japanese universities: Tohoku University and Kwansei Gakuin University. His educational background includes studies at Tohoku University, which prepared him for his subsequent academic career in computer science and mathematics.

### Research Focus
His primary research areas encompassed graph algorithms, informatics, and computer science. Specific focus areas included planar graphs, graph coloring, network flow algorithms, and computational systems for data storage and retrieval. His work also extended to charts, diagrams, and visualization techniques that supported both theoretical and applied computer science research.

### Professional Recognition
Nishizeki received multiple prestigious fellowships including ACM Fellow in 1996, IEEE Fellow, and Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Science. These recognitions highlight his international impact on the computing field.

### Publications and Authorship
He maintained active research publication throughout his career with author IDs in major academic databases including DBLP (n/TakaoNishizeki), zbMATH (nishizeki.takao), Google Scholar (EErO-dUAAAAJ), and CINII Research (1140000791619627264). His MR Author ID was 131660, indicating his contributions to mathematical reviews.

### Personal Information
Born on February 11, 1947, and passing away on January 31, 2022, Nishizeki lived 74 years. His name in Japanese is 西関隆夫 (Nishizeki Takao) and in Kana as にしぜき たかお. He was male and held Japanese citizenship throughout his life. He spoke English as one of his languages.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
4. general catalog of BnF
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Library of Congress Authorities