Hiratsuka Raichō

Hiratsuka Raichō, born Hiratsuka Haru in 1886 in Tokyo, Japan, was a prominent feminist, writer, and activist. Educated at Japan Women’s University and Narumi Women’s English School, she co-founded Seitō, Japan’s first women-focused magazine, in 1903. Writing under the pen name “Raichō,” she tackled taboo topics like spirituality and sexuality. After Seitō faced censorship and was banned in 1913, Hiratsuka continued her activism. She founded the New Women’s Association in 1920, which played a crucial role in overturning laws that restricted women’s political involvement and supported women’s suffrage. 

Later, she established the Japan Federation of Women’s Organizations in 1953 and the New Japan Women’s Association in 1962, furthering her anti-war and feminist efforts. Hiratsuka died in 1971, leaving a lasting impact through her activism and writings. A documentary on her life was released in 2001.