In Memoriam: Dr. Kunio Hata

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TAPPI Fellow, Dr. Kunio Hata, was a highly respected Japanese chemist with specializations in the development of novel pulping technology, including the enzymatic application in pulp and paper processes. Dr. Hata also researched the genetic engineering of forest trees. In addition to these direct contributions to pulp and paper R&D, he also studied the synthetic chemistry of antibiotic drugs and the productive development of glutathione, CoQ, and nucleosides.

Dr. Hata was a member of the Japanese Chemical Society, the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, the Japenese Wood Research Society, the Society of Fiber Science and Technology in Japan, Japan TAPPI, ACS, TAPPI, and CPPA. He was also a board member of the Empire State Paper Research Associates in the U.S. and chairman of the Overseas Technology Exchange Committee in Japan TAPPI.

By the mid-1990s, Dr. Hata had published at least 24 significant articles related to papermaking, three major reviews, three books, and 19 individual patents. In 1995, he was bestowed with TAPPI's highest honor for career achievement when he was nominated to become a TAPPI Fellow.

Born in 1931 in Sapporo, Japan. Dr. Hata graduated from the Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Japan, in 1953. Two years later, in 1955, he received his Master of Science degree from the University and in 1961 became a Doctor of Science.

Dr. Hata started his career in 1955 as a research chemist for Jujo Paper Co. In 1968 he became GM of Akita laboratory, in 1984 GM of central research laboratory, in 1989 director of the R&D division, and in 1990 managing director and GM of R&D. In 1993, he became the senior managing director of the new Nippon Paper Industries Co. (Jujo changed its name after merging). Dr. Hata's extensive contributions to the R&D division as well as his warmhearted guidance of younger researchers were both greatly appreciated by his colleagues.