Takeshi Hirayama

was a Japanese cancer epidemiologist and anti-tobacco activist who served as the chief of the epidemiology division at the in Tokyo from 1965 until 1985. He has been credited with publishing the first study linking passive smoking to lung cancer, and also conducted research on the relationship between certain dietary factors and cancer.

Early life and education Hirayama was born on January 1, 1923, in Kyoto, Japan. When he was three, his father, Tohshi Hirayama, became professor of surgery at Manchuria Medical College, which led to him and his family moving to the city of Harbin in China. Hirayama graduated from Manchuria Medical College in 1945, and received a degree in medical science from Kyoto University in 1951 and a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1952. This study has been described as "one of the most frequently cited studies in regulatory proceedings, risk assessments, and the media" with regard to secondhand smoke. although two other studies were published around the same time with similar findings. In an attempt to discredit the study and protect their interests, the tobacco industry decided to produce a study of their own, dubbed the "Japanese spousal study", with the aim of fraudulently refuting Hirayama's findings. In addition, the Tobacco Institute responded to Hirayama's 1981 study by writing a letter to his superior criticizing the study, despite knowing that Hirayama's work was absolutely correct.

Diet and cancer Hirayama also studied the relationship between green and yellow vegetable consumption and a decreased risk of certain cancers.

Honors and awards In 1988 and 1993, Hirayama received the WHO commemorative medal on tobacco or health.

Personal life Hirayama's hobbies included painting and sketching. He died on October 26, 1995. He was survived by his wife, Yukiko, and their two sons.