Masaki Kashiwara, a professor at Kyoto University’s Institute for Advanced Study, on Wednesday became the first Japanese to be awarded the Abel Prize, dubbed the “Nobel prize for mathematics,” the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters said.
Kashiwara, 78, was recognized for his contribution to the field of algebraic analysis, among other achievements, according to the academy.
Under his mentor, Mikio Sato, a professor emeritus at Kyoto University, Kashiwara developed the theory of D-modules, which has become a fundamental tool in many branches of mathematics.
Photo shows Kyoto University professor Masaki Kashiwara. (Peter Bagde/Typos1/The Abel Prize/Kyodo)
Kashiwara proved the Riemann-Hilbert correspondence, a major problem in mathematics for many years, using the theory.
Other notable achievements by Kashiwara include the creation of crystal basis theory. He has received numerous honors, such as the Chern Medal in 2018 and, along with his coresearchers, the Frontiers of Science Award in 2023 and 2024, according to the university.
The Abel Prize award ceremony will be held in Norway on May 20, with Kashiwara expected to receive prize money of 7.5 million Norwegian krone ($714,000).
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AloJapan.com