Kishida, Toshiko (1863–1901)

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Kishida, Toshiko (1863–1901)

Japanese writer, orator, and political activist. Name variations: also known as Nakajima Toshiko; (pseudonym) Nakajima Shoen. Pronunciation: Key-SHE-dah Toe-SHE-koe. Born in Kyoto, Japan, 1863, into a family of cloth merchants; died 1901; mother was Kishida Taka; m. Nakajima Nobuyuki (political activist), 1884.

Japan's 1st woman orator, served Empress Haruko as lady-in-waiting, the 1st commoner to hold that post; abruptly left court to embark on a national lecture tour (1882), sponsored by the Jiyuto (Liberal Party); drew standing-room-only crowds of mostly women and gained national fame, as she criticized the marriage system (in which women had no right to divorce), the concubine system (in which men could have multiple wives), and the lack of educational opportunities for girls.

See also Women in World History.