This Woman Was Forced To Be The First To Get College Education In Japan, And It Changed Her Country Forever
In 1868 Japan embarked on the Meiji period, which led its previously isolated society to modernize and have a much greater connection with the wider world. This period delivered fundamental changes to the country’s social structure, economy, foreign relations and education. During these times, diplomatic voyages like the Iwakura Mission became possible. The mission’s goal was not only to deal with diplomatic affairs overseas, but also to study educational systems and structures of the United States and Europe. Because of this mission, the first Japanese woman was able to get a college degree.
Sutematsu Yamakawa, born in 1860, was only 12 years old when she became one of the five young women to travel to the U.S. with the Iwakura Mission. However, according to the story she didn’t have a say in the situation, and was forced to go to the unfamiliar land against her will. Sutematsu’s brother signed her up to go to America without asking her, in order to have fewer mouths to feed in the family.
Sutematsu had never left Japan before, and she spoke not a word of English. And yet she was thrown into a foreign environment with four other girls. They all were terrified and tried to keep to themselves. Gradually, they were separated and sent to different foster homes.Despite the rough start, Sutematsu persisted. She did very well academically and got excellent grades at school. She was the only girl in her class to go to college. Sutematsu became the most educated Japanese woman of the time.
After a decade in the U.S., she headed back to Japan. The young woman was eager to change her country. She paired up with other two girls who were sent abroad and began to pursue a common goal: opening a school for girls. To achieve this goal Sutematsu had to marry a man she did not love. But her sacrifices paid off. She managed to open the school and later helped to fund a women’s college.Read this beautifully illustrated story about an inspiring woman below.
More info: rejectedprincesses.com
Sutematsu Yamakawa became the first Japanese woman with the college degree
Sutematsu’s brother signed her up to go to America without asking her
After a decade in the U.S., she headed back to Japan. The young woman was eager to change her country
Sutematsu was a woman who gave it all and her name should not be forgotten
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Share on FacebookIt seems her life wasn't a happy one, but I think she made it a useful one, full of accomplishments. I am amazed that she grew up in a world where all choices were made for her and she grew into a woman who was able to see opportunities and knew which ones were likely to work for her and made something amazing out of her choices. Much of my life looks like a hot mess by comparison :)
She had other siblings who were equally interesting. Her sister Yamakawa Futaba also became an educator; brother Yamakawa Hiroshi became a notable general; brother Yamakawa Kenjirō was a physicist.
Which one of her brothers sent her abroad without her permission?
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The artist's/author's name is Jason Porath. If anyone has time to thank boredpanda for shedding light on his work (and then not mentioning him by name), then there's also time to go to the site and give your appreciation to the hardworking artist. The site has dozens upon dozens more cool biographies to enjoy!
I love that you bring these historic and bold women to our attention! Thank you! #ifshecanseeitshecanbeit
Oh my God. Could not stop reading. Amazing, educational and emotional . Thank you.
What an incredible journey Sakiko traveled to give Japanese women the opportunity to have a future.
Really I don't know about this information. But after I go through this article I garbed the inner meaning of this article. I will publish an infographic on this article at PenMyPaper
What an awesome woman. Selfless, brave, and driven to create a better world.
Inaccurate. Vassar was open to women from the start. What other errors are there in this story? Vassar.edu.
Vassar was always open to women. How many other errors does this story contain? I HATE it when people don't check their facts! See vassar.edu.
I'm proud and sad at the same time. Proud because she succeeded and sad because women always had to fight for education right despite of men
Sory about grammar, I'd be happy if you could tell me my mistakes
Load More Replies...Johnson Baby Soap With Honey For Baby Soft Shin 4 X 100G .Thankfully she lived her life to make a difference, and she did. http://www.onlineshopwall.com/
It seems her life wasn't a happy one, but I think she made it a useful one, full of accomplishments. I am amazed that she grew up in a world where all choices were made for her and she grew into a woman who was able to see opportunities and knew which ones were likely to work for her and made something amazing out of her choices. Much of my life looks like a hot mess by comparison :)
She had other siblings who were equally interesting. Her sister Yamakawa Futaba also became an educator; brother Yamakawa Hiroshi became a notable general; brother Yamakawa Kenjirō was a physicist.
Which one of her brothers sent her abroad without her permission?
Load More Replies...See Boredpanda, if you run out of interesting articles, don't assign click bait titles to mediocre ones. Just publish an informative aricle like this one instead.
The artist's/author's name is Jason Porath. If anyone has time to thank boredpanda for shedding light on his work (and then not mentioning him by name), then there's also time to go to the site and give your appreciation to the hardworking artist. The site has dozens upon dozens more cool biographies to enjoy!
I love that you bring these historic and bold women to our attention! Thank you! #ifshecanseeitshecanbeit
Oh my God. Could not stop reading. Amazing, educational and emotional . Thank you.
What an incredible journey Sakiko traveled to give Japanese women the opportunity to have a future.
Really I don't know about this information. But after I go through this article I garbed the inner meaning of this article. I will publish an infographic on this article at PenMyPaper
What an awesome woman. Selfless, brave, and driven to create a better world.
Inaccurate. Vassar was open to women from the start. What other errors are there in this story? Vassar.edu.
Vassar was always open to women. How many other errors does this story contain? I HATE it when people don't check their facts! See vassar.edu.
I'm proud and sad at the same time. Proud because she succeeded and sad because women always had to fight for education right despite of men
Sory about grammar, I'd be happy if you could tell me my mistakes
Load More Replies...Johnson Baby Soap With Honey For Baby Soft Shin 4 X 100G .Thankfully she lived her life to make a difference, and she did. http://www.onlineshopwall.com/
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