Kiyoaki Murata, a former editor in chief and managing editor of The Japan Times, died of cardiac infarction at a Tokyo hospital Saturday. He was 81.
Upon graduating from a junior high school in his native Hyogo Prefecture, he went to the United States to study and stayed there during World War II.
He was sent to an internment camp for Japanese-Americans for about six months before pursuing his studies. He graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., in 1946, and obtained a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1947.
He returned to Japan in 1948 to work as an interpreter/translator at the Hyogo Prefecture branch of the U.S. occupation authorities.
Murata joined the staff of The Japan Times in 1949 and rose to the position of managing editor, editor in chief and executive director before retiring in 1983.
In 1957, he received the Vaughan Prize from the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association for his contribution to international understanding through journalistic activities.
He later served as professor of international communications at Yachiyo International University in Chiba Prefecture.
Known as a prolific writer, he authored numerous books, including "Japan's New Buddhism" and "Japan -- The State of the Nation."