Life and Career
She was born on 10 February 1886 in Hiratsuka Haru. Hiratsuka came to be influenced by contemporary currents of European philosophy, as well as Zen Buddhism, of which she would become a devoted practitioner. Hiratsuka began her writing career in the early 20th century and quickly became known for her outspoken views on women’s rights and equality. In 1911, she co-founded the Seitosha literary society, which was dedicated to promoting the work of female writers and advocating for women’s rights. In 1914, Hiratsuka published “Onna no Michi” (A Woman’s Path), a pioneering work of feminist literature that called for women to be given equal opportunities and treatment in all aspects of life. The essay was a landmark in the development of the modern women’s movement in Japan and is still widely read and discussed today. Throughout her career, Hiratsuka continued to write about issues related to women’s rights and equality, and her works inspired many other Japanese women to take up the cause. She was a prominent figure in the Japanese feminist movement, and her influence extended far beyond the literary world. Raicho Hiratsuka died on 24 May 1971, at the age of 85. Today, she is remembered as a pioneer of the Japanese women’s movement and a major figure in the history of Japanese literature. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of feminists and writers who are committed to advancing the cause of women’s rights and equality.
Award and Legacy
Her contributions to the field of literature and to the feminist movement in Japan have been widely recognized. Hiratsuka’s legacy as a writer and feminist continues to be felt in Japan and around the world. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese literature and one of the pioneers of the modern women’s movement in Japan. Her works, including “Onna no Michi” (A Woman’s Path), are still widely read and studied, and her views on women’s rights and equality continue to inspire feminists and writers. In recognition of her contributions to Japanese literature and feminism, Hiratsuka has been honored in various ways, including the establishment of the Raicho Hiratsuka Memorial Museum in her birthplace of Shizuoka, Japan. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary Japanese society, where she is remembered as a pioneering feminist who fought for women’s rights and equality and inspired generations of Japanese women to do the same. On 10 February 2014, Google celebrated Raicho Hiratsuka’s 128th Birthday with a doodle.
