1. Education

Japan and Women's History

Notable and ordinary women in Japanese history.
  1. Murasaki Shikibu

"Tokyo Rose" - Iva Ikuko Toguri D'Aquino
"Tokyo Rose" was a name given by the Allies to many women who broadcast Japanese propaganda to the Allied troops during World War II. One woman was convicted of treason for her broadcasts, but a campaign in the 1970s cast significant doubt on the charges against her.

Michitsuna no haha - Profile - Mother of Michitsuna
A profile of Michitsuna no haha - tenth century Japanese diarist.

Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu is credited with writing the first novel in the world, based on her years as an attendant in the Japanese imperial court.

Empress Suiko
Although the legendary rulers of Japan, before written history, were said to be empresses, Suiko is the first empress in recorded history to rule Japan. During her reign, Buddhism was promoted officially, Chinese and Korean influence increased, and, according to tradition, a 17-article constitution was adopted.

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan
Etext of the 1920 translation includes color illustrations and Amy Lowell's introduction, an excellent history of women's writing in Japan.

Greater Learning for Women
Written in 1762 by Confucian scholar Kaibara Ekken or or his scholar wife Kaibara Token, on the traditional proper role for women.

Japanese Creation Myth
Myth includes images of female deity.

Michitsuna no haha
Tenth century writer, diarist. Background, bibliography and some works in translation.

Ono no Komachi
Ninth century poet about whom little is known. Background, translations, bibliography.

Otomo no Sakenoue & Kasa no Iratsume
Eighth century C.E. woman poets. Background, bibliography, translations.

Sei Shonagon
Her "Pillow Book" tells of life at court. Background, bibliography and translated excerpts.

Senshi
Youngest daughter of the Japanese emperor Murakami, a writer. Background, bibliography, and some fragments of her writing in translation.

Women Warriors of Japan
History of women in Japanese martial arts, from early and medieval Japanese history through contemporary competitive martial arts.

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