Nobuo Yoneda

Quick Facts: Who was Nobuo Yoneda?

Subject:

Nobuo Yoneda

Known for:

Pioneering Japanese mathematician known for category theory, computer science, and the Yoneda lemma.

Born:

1930-03-28

Died:

1996-04-22

Century / Era:

1930s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nobuo Yoneda (米田 信夫, Yoneda Nobuo; 28 March 1930 – 22 April 1996) was a Japanese mathematician and computer scientist. In 1952, he graduated the Department of Mathematics, the Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, and obtained his Bachelor of Science. That same year, he was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics of the University of Tokyo. He obtained his Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Tokyo in 1961, under the direction of Shokichi Iyanaga.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1962, he was appointed Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at Gakushuin University, and was promoted in 1966 to the rank of Professor. He became a professor of Theoretical Foundation of Information Science in 1972. After retiring from the University of Tokyo in 1990, he moved to Tokyo Denki University.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Yoneda lemma in category theory and the Yoneda product in homological algebra are named after him. In computer science, he is known for his work on dialects of the programming language ALGOL. He became involved with developing international standards in programming and informatics, as a Japanese representative on the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) IFIP Working Group 2.1 on Algorithmic Languages and Calculi, which specified, supports, and maintains the languages ALGOL 60 and ALGOL 68.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1930 (1930-03-28): Birth of Nobuo Yoneda — Pioneering Japanese mathematician known for category theory, computer science, and the Yoneda lemma.
2. 1952: 1952 Milestone — In 1952, he graduated the Department of Mathematics, the Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, and obtained his Bachelor of Science.
3. 1961: 1961 Milestone — He obtained his Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Tokyo in 1961, under the direction of Shokichi Iyanaga.
4. 1962: 1962 Milestone — In 1962, he was appointed Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at Gakushuin University, and was promoted in 1966 to the rank of Professor.
5. 1972: 1972 Milestone — He became a professor of Theoretical Foundation of Information Science in 1972.
6. 1990: 1990 Milestone — After retiring from the University of Tokyo in 1990, he moved to Tokyo Denki University.
7. 1996 (1996-04-22): Passing & Historical Legacy — Nobuo Yoneda passed away on 1996-04-22, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nobuo Yoneda

True or False: “The Yoneda Lemma is a concept primarily associated with algebraic topology rather than category theory.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Yoneda Lemma is a fundamental result in category theory that relates an object to its hom-functor.

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• 1930 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1930
• March 28 (03-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 28
• 1996 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1996
• April 22 (04-22) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 22

Frequently Asked Questions about Nobuo Yoneda