Hirota

Hirota is a Japanese surname. It is most commonly written 広田, combining the characters for “wide” and “field.” Other kanji variants exist, such as 弘田, and the name can be read as Hirota across different families. The surname is relatively common in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad.

A notable bearer is Ryogo Hirota (1933–2010), a Japanese mathematician who formulated Hirota’s bilinear method. This approach transforms nonlinear partial differential equations into bilinear form, enabling the construction of multi-soliton solutions. Hirota’s method has become a standard tool in soliton theory and integrable systems, with applications in mathematical physics and nonlinear dynamics.

Beyond Ryogo Hirota, the surname appears among other individuals in various fields in Japan and among the Japanese diaspora. As with many Japanese family names, the specific kanji form and regional origins can vary, reflecting local naming traditions. The name’s association with mathematics through Hirota’s method is its most prominent international contribution.