Hiratsuka Raichō (1886–1971)

Japanese feminist, pacifist, and consumer advocate who was a founder of Seitōsha (Bluestockings) and Shin Fujin Kyokai (New Women's Association). Name variations: given name, Hiratuska Haruko; Hiratsuka Raichō. Pronunciation: HE-rah-TSU-kah Ray-CHOE. Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1886; died in Tokyo in 1971; daughter of a government official who had studied constitutional law in Europe; graduated from Japan Women's University in 1906; lived with the painter, Okumura Hiroshi; children: son and daughter.

Hiratsuka Raichō was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1886, the daughter of a government official who had studied constitutional law in Europe. During her youth, she was greatly influenced by Western culture, studying English and reading books on Western philosophy. She was also greatly influenced by Zen Buddhism, however, and practiced Zen meditation throughout her life. In 1911, she was a founder of Seitōsha (Bluestockings) and the first editor of its publication, Seitō. In it, she wrote eloquently on the history and status of women. She was particularly interested in the role of literature in women's self-fulfillment. In 1919, Hiratsuka was one of the founders of the Shin Fujin Kyokai (New Women's Association), which campaigned for an extension of women's legal rights, higher education, and welfare benefits. In particular, the organization sought repeal of legislation (Peace Preservation Law) which prohibited women from participating in political activity. Hiratsuka retired, for a time, from public activity, but re-emerged in the 1930s when she became active in the organization of consumer unions. After World War II, Hiratsuka was often a participant in women's international peace initiatives. "In the beginning," she wrote, "woman was truly the sun, and a true being. Now woman is the moon. She lives by others, and shines through the light of others. Her countenance is pale, like a patient. We must now restore the sun, which has been hidden from us."

sources:

Andrew, Nancy. "The Seitōsha: An Early Japanese women's Organization, 1911–1916," in Papers onJapan. East Asian Research Center, Harvard University. 1972.

Reich, Pauline C. "Japan's Literary Feminists: The Seitō Group," in Signs. Vol. II, 1976, pp. 280–291.

Sievers, Sharon L. Flowers in Salt: The Beginnings of Feminist Consciousness in Modern Japan. Stanford: Stanford University Press. 1983.

Linda L. Johnson , Professor of History, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota