Prof. Mikio Takagi
This photograph was taken immediately after having finished his farewell lecture and the memorial party on his retirement of Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo (March 12, 1997).
Prof. Mikio Takagi This photograph was taken immediately after having finished his farewell lecture and the memorial party on his retirement of Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo (March 12, 1997). |
Some of us still remember the time, almost 20 years ago, when we decided to hold the first MVA in Tokyo. At the time, ICPR had been planned to be held in Beijing in the autumn of 1988. The new workshop led by Professor Takagi, who was then a member of the Governing Board of the IAPR, was in an effort to support ICPR. It was decided that Professor Takagi was to be the Program Chair; and Professor Tsuji and Dr. Kidode were to be in charge of the Organizing Committee. Every aspect of the preparation, from the selection of Organizing Committee members and the choice of the venue to the arrangement of organizing offices, was done under Professor Takagi's leadership. It was the time the foundation of MVA was laid. Though the ICPR itself was moved to Rome, Italy from Beijing due to some issues there, the first International Workshop was held splendidly in Tokyo without incident. Thanks to Professor Takagi's careful organization of the committee, MVA has been held every two years since then.
The committee members of the first workshop were called together, under Professor Takagi's authority, mostly from the ranks of then-younger researchers at universities, research institutes, and corporations. They are still active now and are the driving forces of research and development as well as technology deployment in this field. This original committee has been expanded by adding mainly younger members. In particular, members from corporations were actively sought. This promoted the adoption of related technologies by the industry in a natural way, as well as leading to an increase of workshop attendees from corporations and support of the workshop by the industry, thereby contributing to the continued existence of the workshop. In the course of the committee activities, we were impressed by the international expanse of Professor Takagi's research interests and human network as well as by his farseeing plannning. The incorporation from the beginning of tie-ups with corporations, such as the use of halls and the financial sponsorship, must have been Professor Takagi's secret strategy for workshop management all along. Also by his design, the infrastructure that supports the workshop was secured from the beginning, with members in charge of printing proceedings, processing paper submissions, accounting, and other clerical work. This made the continued smooth operation of the following workshops possible. Also, the committee activities, which in general rely on members' volunteer spirit, were in a fun atmosphere. It must also have been Professor Takagi's vision to maintain such an atmosphere, in which we could devote ourselves to the activities at regular intervals.
Our association with Professor Takagi expanded, beginning with the organization of the workshop, to activities as committee members of other diverse academic societies and organizing various lecture meetings and seminars. Through it all, we had the privilege of acquainting ourselves with the vastness of his educational, research, and societal activities. We grieve over our ignorance of the fate that we have to say farewell to him so abruptly.
We still would like, if it were only possible, Professor Takagi's guidance and encouragement in many themes, such as the evolution of the international workshop to an international conference, the internationalization of the venue, the training of researchers and engineers in the related areas, and the strengthening of the network of committee members.
Professor Takagi, you will live on in our hearts forever.
Members of the MVA Organization