Tadasu Todd Imahori (Ph.D., 1986, Ohio University), professor of Communication Studies of the Department of Foreign Languages, Seinan Gakuin University, Fukuoka, Japan, passed away on July 17.
Having worked at Illinois State University, New School, and San Francisco State University before assuming the position at Seinan Gakuin, Dr. Imahori helped link the academic institutions on either side of the Pacific Ocean. He also served a number of administrative positions, including as President of the Communication Association of Japan and Chair of the U.S. National Communication Association's (NCA) International and Intercultural Communication Division. Dr. Imahori has published numerous articles and book chapters throughout his career. Productive and active in research, he substantially advanced the field, especially in the area of identity management, Japan-U.S. comparison of facework, and intercultural communication.
Dr. Imahori also was a great educator. He never hesitated to help out students and deveoted most of his time to advising and guiding students, nurturing them under his big wings. He also was enthusiastic in establishing the field of communication studies as a visible and reputable one in Japan. As the President of the Communication Association of Japan, Dr. Imahori undertook a great deal of revolutionary work; in particular, he trusted and provided young scholars with extensive opportunities to perform their full potential. He was truly a selfless, dedicated teacher.
Dr. Imahori's passing is a tremendous loss to the field of communication, as well as to his family and friends. The funeral will be held at Fukuoka Johnan Church, where Dr. Imahori used to go to mass, on July 20, 2009.
