Minoru Tanaka: Learning at Sixty

December 24, 2018

It was more than 40 years ago, but when choosing a seminar before my fourth year in the university's mathematics department, although I felt an attraction to algebra, I moved toward functional analysis and gave up on algebra.

Even after becoming a high school mathematics teacher, I started reading algebra books on my own several times, but I lacked the perseverance to continue. Nevertheless, about seven or eight years ago, I became interested in algebra, particularly the field of number theory, and read books on the "Riemann Hypothesis," which may have been solved recently. However, I felt the limits of learning by reading books on my own, so I thought that if I were given the opportunity to study abroad, I could devote myself to research.

I had already decided on my desired destination for study abroad. It was Paris, whose orderly streets had fascinated me for a long time. Fortunately, I had been continuing the French I chose as my third foreign language as a student through NHK radio courses and other means. Moreover, Paris is the birthplace of luminaries in the world of mathematics such as Fermat, Galois, and Legendre. Thanks to the internet, I was able to contact the graduate school of mathematics at Paris VI University by email, and fortunately, the professor in charge of admissions specialized in number theory, so they agreed to host me for one year. Subsequently, I was fortunate enough to receive permission for study abroad from Keio University. Although I struggled considerably with procedures before traveling, finding an apartment after arrival, and enrollment procedures, I began my one-year student life in Paris in September 2015.

Naturally, I chose subjects centered on algebra, and with about 25 hours of lectures and seminars per week, it was quite hard for me both physically and in terms of content. Although there was a tragic terrorist attack in November, it did not particularly affect my daily life, and I successfully received my first-year master's certificate. My understanding of algebra deepened, and I am passing the results back to my students in classes after returning home, especially in their graduation research. Of course, it wasn't just about studying; when the university was on break, I enjoyed the orderly architecture of Paris and visited museums. I also traveled to various regions, striving to absorb French culture, and was able to deepen my knowledge of wine, another of my hobbies.

Having reached my 60th birthday, these were days of truly enjoyable effort even as I pushed my aging body, and I am deeply grateful to Keio University for giving such an opportunity to an older person like myself.