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Notable Women in Japan’s History

Akiko_YosanoSince World War II, Japanese women have been awarded rights equal to men. Many Japanese women are remembered throughout history for their contributions in different fields such as the arts, science, politics, and social awareness. Here are some of the Japanese women who have helped shape history:

Akiko Yosano (7 December 1878 – 29 May 1942) – Akiko Yosano’s real name at birth was Shō Hō. She was a poet, author, pacifist, social reformer, and pioneering feminist active in the late Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods. She was one of the most renowned and controversial post-classical female poets of Japan. Her work set an image for herself and a stage for female voices in modern Japan.

Akiko Yosano.

Sadako_OgataSadako Ogata (Born: 16 September 1927) – an academic, author administrator, diplomat, and professor emeritus at Sophia University in Japan, Sadako Ogata is widely acclaimed for the posts she held as the  United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Chairman of the UNICEF Executive Board, and President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She is beloved by the Japanese people for her compassion for the less privileged and admired for her dedication to human rights.

Sadako Ogata. | World Economic Forum

Misora_HibariHibari Misora (29 May 1937 – 24 June 1989) – a singer, actress, and cultural icon, Hibari Misora was awarded the Medal of Honor for her contributions to music and improving the welfare of the Japanese people. She was also the first woman to receive the People’s Honour Award (one of the commendations bestowed by the Prime Minister of Japan) for giving the people of Japan hope and encouragement after World War II through her music.

Hibari Misora.

Chiaki_Mukai (1)Chiaki Mukai (Born: 6 May 1952) –  a board-certified vascular surgeon and a JAXA astronaut, Chiaki Mukai was the first Japanese woman in space and the first Japanese citizen to have two space flights. She spent a total of 23 days in space. Her first shuttle mission was aboard the “Columbia” in 1994; the second was on the “Discovery” in 1988.

Chiaki Mukai.

Masako Katsura  (1913–1995) – known as “First Lady of Billiards,” Masako Katsura was a carom or straight rails billiard player who competed in the 1950s. She was among the best in the male-dominated world of professional billiards. Under the tutelage of Japanese champion Kinrey Matsuyama, she became Japan’s only female professional player of billiards. She won second place in Japan’s  three-cushion billiards championships, a popular form of carom billiards, three times. On exhibition games, she ran 10,000 points in a game of straight rail.

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!