Minoru Hirano (December 10, 1932 – December 19, 2017) was a giant in the field of voice disorders whose early work formed a cornerstone of modern laryngology. Hirano graduated from Kyoto University in 1957 and completed otolaryngology training there. He joined the faculty at Kurume University in 1961 and rose to become Professor and Chairman in 1972. He held that post through 1996, when he became the President of Kurume University.  Hirano is best known for integrating his detailed observations of vocal fold anatomy and vocal fold vibratory kinematics into a coherent theory for vocal fold vibratory physiology and pathophysiology. In his landmark 1974 paper “Morphological structure of the vocal cord as a vibrator and its variations”, Hirano put forth the body-cover theory of vocal fold vibration and explained the relative contributions of the thyroarytenoid and cricothyroid muscles in pitch control. Schematics of the coronal cross-section view of the vocal folds from his papers and textbook chapters are well-known to every voice scientist, laryngologist, and voice therapist/phoniatrician today. His insights into functional vocal fold anatomy laid the foundation for modern phonosurgery.

Hirano was relentless in his investigation of laryngeal anatomy and function. His human larynx whole-organ histological color atlas (co-authored with Dr. Kiminori Sato) remains a gold standard reference. He developed a system for high speed photography of vocal fold vibrations using a laryngeal mirror, before endoscopes were introduced to the field. In his quest to understand neuromuscular control of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, Hirano was the first to use hooked-wired electrodes for laryngeal electromyography.

In addition to being a renowned researcher, innovative phonosurgeon, and tremendous educator, Hirano was known to those around him as a gentle soul, generous in sharing his knowledge of voice science as well as his love of singing.

Personal interactions between Dr. Hirano and Dr. Titze date to the 1990-2000 decade. The National Center for Voice and Speech was formed at the University of Iowa. Dr Hirano was a key person in providing expertise in laryngeal electromyography. At the time, he was the world expert in both the technique and the interpretation of EMG data obtained for clinical and research objectives. Several of us volunteered to be subjects for experimentation, including Drs. Hoffman and Titze. Minoru was relentless in his search for understanding the muscular control of the larynx in speaking and singing. After long hours of conducting experiments, we found time to play tennis and gather around the piano to sing opera arias.

Ted Mau, MD PhD

Ingo Titze, PhD