Remembering Takamitsu Muraoka: A Pioneer in Hebrew Studies

Takamitsu Muraoka, a distinguished Japanese Hebraist and scholar of Semitic languages, passed away on February 10, 2023, in Leiden, the Netherlands, at the age of 88. Muraoka was recognized as the first Japanese student to earn a doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he studied under prominent Semitic languages professor Chaim Rabin. His doctoral thesis, which focused on emphatic expressions in Biblical Hebrew, later became a published book titled "Emphatic Words and Structures in Biblical Hebrew." Throughout his career, Muraoka specialized in the study of the Dead Sea Scrolls, emphasizing their linguistic aspects and organizing international conferences to promote this focus.

Times of IsraelEminent Japanese Scholar Takamitsu Muraoka Dies

Muraoka's academic journey included teaching positions at the University of Manchester, the University of Melbourne, and Leiden University, where he remained until his retirement in 2003. He published numerous works, including a grammar of biblical Hebrew that has become a classic since its release in the 1990s. His expertise extended to Aramaic and Septuagint studies, and he was known for his proficiency in multiple languages, including modern Hebrew, English, French, German, and Dutch.

Times of IsraelEminent Japanese Scholar Takamitsu Muraoka Dies

Muraoka maintained a strong connection to Israel and its academic community throughout his life. Steven Fassberg, a colleague at the Hebrew University, noted that Muraoka was deeply concerned about events in Israel, including the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and the recent Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Their correspondence reflected Muraoka's ongoing interest in Israeli culture and language, as he even translated works by Israeli author Shai Agnon into Japanese.

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Despite being a devout Christian, Muraoka's faith did not influence his academic work, as noted by Fassberg. After retiring, he dedicated time to teaching biblical Hebrew in various Asian countries, particularly those affected by Japan's wartime actions. Muraoka expressed remorse for Japan's past, participating in events to acknowledge historical grievances, including issuing a public apology to victims of Japanese military actions during World War II.

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Muraoka's contributions to the field of biblical studies were recognized with several accolades, including the Burkitt Medal from the British Academy in 2017. His works on the historical and linguistic aspects of biblical texts have left a lasting impact on the study of ancient languages and the understanding of Jewish heritage.

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Muraoka's legacy is characterized not only by his academic achievements but also by his commitment to reconciliation and education. He will be remembered as a scholar who bridged cultures and fostered a deeper understanding of biblical languages and their historical contexts.

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• “His English was impeccable. His Hebrew was excellent. He knew French and German. When he went to the Netherlands, he learned Dutch so he could lecture in Dutch. And, of course, he knew the ancient languages, Greek, Aramaic, Ugaritic… He was a very, very impressive scholar.” — Steven Fassberg, Caspar Levias Professor of Ancient Semitic Languages

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• “He organized an international conference on the Hebrew of the Dead Sea Scrolls and in Ben Sira, and invited several people, and I was lucky enough to be one of them,” — Steven Fassberg

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• “As the history of the Japanese military wounding you and trampling on your dignity as human beings is part of the history of my own country, I too bear responsibility as a Japanese citizen. As a Japanese citizen, I feel immeasurable shame and intense anger at the current government, which is aggravating the wounds of the victims.” — Takamitsu Muraoka

Eminent Japanese Scholar Takamitsu Muraoka Dies

Takamitsu Muraoka's passing marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the study of biblical languages and the Dead Sea Scrolls. His dedication to academia, cultural understanding, and historical reflection will continue to inspire future generations of scholars.

Times of Israel