Miles from Home

As March unfolds, so too does the celebration of Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. I wanted to shed light on women in Japan, specifically Ichiyo Higuchi and Tsuda Umeko, as they stood as shining examples of resilience, creativity, and advocacy. These two lovely women are the face of Japanese excellence. One is the current and the other the new face on our currency.

Ichiyo Higuchi has been on our 5,000 yen bill since 2004. She is the first woman to be on any Japanese currency. I was only seven years old, but I remember it was remarkable deal that a woman made it on one of the bills. Tsuda Umeko was decided as the new face for the 5,000 yen bill planned to be printed in July 2024 with the renewal of the design that Japanese currency goes through every 20 years or so. As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let us dive straight into the lives and legacies of these extraordinary women.

Ichiyo Higuchi: A Literary Luminary

Born in 1872, Ichiyo Higuchi defied societal expectations to emerge as one of Japan’s most celebrated literary figures during the Meiji era. It is said that she was a very bright child, excelling in her studies but wasn’t allowed to continue school due to her mother believing that, as a woman, she didn’t need to be highly educated. She, however, found herself in an apprenticeship with poets and authors and picked up more knowledge thanks to her father. When her older brother and father passed away, she was left as the head of the household at the age of seventeen. Ichiyo, her mother, and her younger sister found work but they couldn’t support each other enough. They soon found themselves in debt. This is when Ichiyo decides to start writing her works. 

In her poignant works, such as “Takekurabe” (Child’s Play), Higuchi illuminated the nuances of everyday life, particularly for women and children. Through her lyrical prose and keen observations, she captured readers’ hearts, like big authors of the time like Ogai Mori, and earned a revered place in Japanese literature. However, her success was short-lived when she passed away from tuberculosis, a disease uncurable at the time at the age of twenty-four. It was only fourteen months after she published her stories. Despite facing societal constraints and personal tragedies, Ichiyo Higuchi’s luminous literary legacy continues to inspire readers, transcending time and reaffirming her status as a pioneer of Japanese literature.

Tsuda Umeko: A Trailblazer in Education

In education and women’s empowerment, only a few figures shine as brightly as Tsuda Umeko. Born in 1864, Umeko defied societal norms to pursue her passion for learning. She was the first woman to study abroad in the United States at the age of six or so. She stayed in the United States for eleven years, returning to Japan when she was seventeen. She was distraught at the realities of women in Japan. She was shocked she wasn’t allowed to work, even with her education and was suggested she should just get married instead. 

She found a job as an English educator at a women’s school but went back to the States to further her education in Biology when she was twenty-four years old. She eventually went on and established Tsuda College, Japan’s first institution of higher education for women, when she was thirty-five. She passed away at sixty-four due to a diabetes-related illness. Through her unwavering commitment to education, Umeko empowered countless women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Tsuda Umeko’s courageous defiance of societal norms and tireless dedication to education stands as a beacon of empowerment, illuminating the path for countless women to achieve their aspirations and transform society for generations to come.

In commemorating Women’s History Month, the legacies of Ichiyo Higuchi and Tsuda Umeko stand as powerful testaments to the resilience, creativity, and advocacy of women throughout history. From Higuchi’s literary brilliance to Umeko’s pioneering efforts in education, their stories inspire us to reflect on the countless women who have shaped societies and pushed boundaries despite facing adversity. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals and their inclusion in the Japanese currency, let us not only honor their achievements during this month but carry their spirit of empowerment and progress forward throughout the year. By recognizing and amplifying the contributions of women like Higuchi and Umeko, we continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.