Obituary: Professor Kunioki Mima (1945 – 2025)

It is with deep sorrow that the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN) announces the passing of Professor Kunioki Mima, a pioneering plasma physicist and former member of the External Advisory Panel of IPFN. Professor Mima, whose work profoundly shaped our understanding of magnetized plasmas and nonlinear phenomena, passed away on the evening of January 5, 2025 (Japan time). He was 79 years old.

Born in 1945, Professor Mima pursued his undergraduate and doctoral studies at Kyoto University. Following postdoctoral work at Hiroshima University, he joined Osaka University, where he became a full professor in 1984. Between 1995 and 1999, he served as Director of the Institute of Laser Engineering, advancing research on laser fusion, free electron lasers, relativistic plasmas, and laser-plasma interactions.

Throughout his career, Professor Mima made groundbreaking contributions to plasma physics, particularly in the areas of magnetic confinement fusion and laser-plasma interactions. Among his most notable scientific achievements is the co-discovery of the Hasegawa–Mima equation, a key theoretical framework for modeling low-frequency drift waves in magnetized plasmas. His pioneering insights have influenced the design and interpretation of experiments in laboratories worldwide.

A recipient of numerous accolades, Professor Mima was honored by the American Physical Society (APS)—both as an APS Fellow and as a co-recipient of the 1993 John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research. He was further recognized with the 2007 Edward Teller Award and the 2011 Hannes Alfvén Prize of the European Physical Society, underscoring the global significance of his work.

Beyond his research accomplishments, Professor Mima was a dedicated mentor who guided generations of graduate students—many of whom have gone on to become leading figures in plasma physics, fusion science, and space physics. His passion for education and commitment to nurturing young talent left a lasting impact on the scientific community.

At IPFN, Professor Mima provided strategic guidance through his service on the External Advisory Panel from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2023. During his tenure, his expert counsel helped shape the institute’s research priorities and growth trajectory. IPFN mourns his loss and extends its deepest condolences to Professor Mima’s family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals inspired by his life’s work. His legacy will continue to illuminate the path toward advancing plasma science and technology for years to come.