Professor Taihei Miki (1928-2005)

     Taihei Miki, Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of Agriculture, pas-sed away, at the age of just 77, on April 7, 2005, in Tokyo, Japan. Professor Miki was born on April 7, 1928 in Tokyo. He graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture in 1951 with a BSc degree in Agricultural Chemistry.

     He obtained a position at Tokyo University of Agriculture in 1953 and became an Associate Professor of Agricultural Chemistry at that University in 1962, and concurrently head of the Instrumental Analysis Laboratory. He was promoted to full professor in 1974 in the same department and became an Emeri-tus Professor of Tokyo University of Agriculture in 1999 after his retirement, since when he continued to work part time at the same university to conduct a dioxin project until 2002.

     He was active in analytical chemistry, especially microanalysis and chro-matography. His great contribution to the Association of Organic Microanalysis under the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry should be mentioned. He served this association both as Chairman and as Advisor for a long time. He also served several other professional organizations during his career, including being a mem-ber of the board of directors of the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry from 1977 to 1978, and a Chairman of the Kanto Branch of that Society in 1979. Pro-fessor Miki worked for Acta Chromatographica as an editorial board member, and it should be noted that the 1999 issue of the journal was dedicated to his 70th birthday.

     Besides research in chemistry he had several hobbies. He loved mountain climbing, singing, and gardening. We know he visited many mountain areas in Switzerland and Austria, as well as in Japan. Where ever he went he always carried a large high-quality camera - I guess he enjoyed taking numerous photos. He was also fond of wine and sake.

     Last, but not least, we would like to deeply thank Professor Miki for his innumerable courtesies during his lifetime; I wish his soul may rest in peace.

Toyohide Takeuchi
Gifu University
Gifu, Japan