Obituary
Obituary Dr. Kishio Hatai (1944-2021)
2022 Volume 63 Issue 2 Article ID: MYCObituary22.3
Details
2022 Volume 63 Issue 2 Article ID: MYCObituary22.3
Dr. Kishio Hatai, former president of the Mycological Society of Japan, Professor Emeritus at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, and a Doctor of Agriculture, passed away on August 10, 2021, at the age of 76. We would like to express our deepest respects.
Dr. Kishio Hatai was born in 1944. He completed a master’s course at the Tokyo University of Fisheries (currently Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology) in March 1970, and joined the Second Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Tokyo, in April 1970, as a research student. After working as a researcher at Sankyo Company, Limited (1971–1979), and then at the Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Fisheries (1979–1983), he joined the Department of Fish Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University (currently Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University), in April 1983, as a Lecturer, and became an Assistant Professor in April 1985. After becoming a Professor (April 1991) in the same Department, he served the University until his retirement, when he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus (April 2010).
Dr. Hatai made great achievements in research on diseases of fish and shellfish. In particular, he published a wide variety of case reports, descriptions of new taxa, ecological studies, elucidations of physiological characteristics and infection mechanisms, and developed control methods for pathogenic fungi and oomycetes, such as water molds (Saprolegniales) and holocarpic species (former Lagenidiales). Among his many research achievements, the description of Aphanomyces piscicida (=A. invadans) as a pathogenic agent of mycotic granulomatosis of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis, was notable. This is a seminal study of epidemic ulcerative syndrome in freshwater fish, which is still a worldwide problem. Dr. Hatai described a large number of parasitic oomycetous taxa isolated from cultured fish and shellfish. In addition to their importance in fish diseases, recognition of these taxa has contributed to phylogenetic study of oomycetes, and they are repeatedly referred to in the phylogenetic trees published in recent papers.
Dr. Hatai served the Mycological Society of Japan in various capacities, including as a Councilor and Director (1987–1999, 2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2009–2011), Editor-in-Chief of the Mycoscience from 1991 to 1995, Vice president from 1999 to 2001, President from 2003 to 2005, and as the Grand President of the Conference Committee for the 45th Annual Meeting of the Mycological Society of Japan in 2001. In 2009, Dr. Hatai received the Mycological Society of Japan Award, in recognition of his many years of research achievements and contributions to the society.
He was kind and enthusiastic about the education of younger researcher. I have received in-depth guidance from him when I was a graduate student aspiring to conduct taxonomic research on Japanese water molds at the University of Tsukuba. In 1997, I visited Dr. Hatai's laboratory of fish diseases through the introduction by my advisor, Dr. Seiji Tokumasu. Dr. Hatai must have been very busy at the end of the year, yet he was kind enough to give me detailed instructions on how to cultivate and preserve water molds and introduced me to his laboratory facilities. I still remember how happy I was to receive many reprints of his papers on the way back home. I compiled them into a folder with care and added the new papers he published later. I am still grateful for the advice that he gave me on my research, time to time.
Dr. Hatai had a tall and imposing physique that matched his generous spirit. “Standing on the shoulders of a giant", I would like to conclude this note with the hope that I can repay his kindness by adding some research results to his legacy of oomycology. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Shigeki INABA
