September 27, 1925, marks the birth of Masao Haji, a Japanese mathematician who operated simultaneously as a political activist and critic. His influence extended through the academic landscape of Japan, where he held positions at top-tier examination preparation schools and shaped the mathematical curriculum through extensive writing and instruction.
Academic Foundation
Haji completed his formal education at the University of Tokyo, graduating from the Department of Engineering. His preparatory education took place at the kyu-sei-ichi-koukou, an institution now integrated into the liberal arts division of the University of Tokyo. Despite contracting tuberculosis during his youth, an illness that resulted in lingering physical effects such as coughing and hoarseness, he pursued a career dedicated to pedagogy and analytical discourse.
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His professional life was centered on the rigorous training of students aiming for university entrance. He chaired the mathematics department for the Z-kai correspondence program. Furthermore, he held lecturing positions at three prominent preparatory schools: Yoyogi Seminar, Sundai Preparatory School, and Kawai Juku. He also contributed to the Oubun-Sha radio broadcasts focused on university entrance examinations.
Written Contributions
His prolific output included pedagogical series such as the fundamental issues lecture and standard issue lecture, alongside training materials published by the Zoushin-kai Publishing House, including the Calculus Lab. He authored several independent books, often utilizing the pseudonym Ryūsuke Nomi. Key publications include Han-sugaku-riron, released in 1977, and Koukou-muyou-no-Daigaku-Shingaku-Hou, published in 1983. Later contributions to the Oubun-sha label included Sugaku1 Hyoujun-Mondai-seikou in 1985 and Kisokaiseki-hyoujyun-mondai-seikou in 1996.
Activism and Final Years
Beyond the classroom, Haji engaged in political activism, notably participating in the Peace to Vietnam committee. He also provided social counseling for youth, including those experiencing homelessness. Following his death on June 9, 1998, he was interred at Aoyama cemetery in Minato-ku, Tokyo. His legacy remains documented in memorial collections such as the works curated by Yuichi Yoshikawa.
Fast facts
- Born: September 27, 1925
- Died: June 9, 1998
- Education: University of Tokyo
- Pseudonym: Ryūsuke Nomi
- Burial site: Aoyama cemetery, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Questions readers ask
Did Masao Haji write under other names?
Yes, he authored various books using the name Ryūsuke Nomi.
Which preparatory schools did Haji teach at?
He taught at the Yoyogi Seminar, Sundai Preparatory School, and Kawai Juku.
