【Biography】Tsuda Umeko - The Woman Who Created a Japan Where Women Could Receive Education -

Introducing the biography of Tsuda Umeko from the happiness science pamphlet Monthly 'Hermes Angels' No. 285 open_in_new that can be learned together with parents and children.

Tsuda Umeko (1864 - 1929)

As the Meiji era began, Japan was rapidly developing in terms of lifestyle and culture. However, at that time, the status of women was low, and it was rare for women to attend school or take up jobs.

During such times, the government called for girls to study abroad in America, saying, 'Let's provide excellent education for women.' Among them was 7-year-old Tsuda Umeko.

When Umeko arrived in America, she lived almost without using Japanese. There were tough times, but she eventually got used to life there.

At school in America, she studied English, French, mathematics, and science. Umeko learned about 'the American culture where men and women can equally receive education and work' and achieved excellent grades.

When she returned to Japan at the age of 18, she was determined, saying, 'I want to teach what I learned so that Japanese women can thrive in society!' However, she was not allowed to pursue the education she aimed for in Japan. Thus, she resolved to 'create an ideal school herself!'

Umeko began preparing to open a school. Then, friends from Japan and America who heard about her sent her financial support.

When Umeko was 36 years old, she opened the predecessor of the current 'Tsuda University,' the 'Women's English School.' The female students who took her strict yet passionate classes became excellent English teachers one after another. Her school's achievements were recognized, and it became a famous university.

Umeko dedicated her 64-year life to 'women's education' and gave birth to many women who contributed to Japan's development.

・List of various pamphlets (missionary magazines) open_in_new

・List of articles on teachings of the heart that can be learned together with parents and children open_in_new