Hirooka Asako

1.1. Birth and Family Background

Hirooka Asako was born Mitsui Asako on October 18, 1849 (the third day of the ninth month in Kaei 2, according to the old calendar) in Kyoto, then part of Yamashiro Province. She was the fourth daughter of Mitsui Takamasu (1799-1858), the sixth head of the Koishikawa Mitsui family, a prominent merchant household located on Aburanokoji Street in Demizu, Kyoto. Her childhood name was Teru. She was an illegitimate child, as was her older sister Haru (1847-1872), who was two years her senior. Her marriage was arranged when she was just two years old. When she was nine, her father passed away, and her adoptive elder brother, Mitsui Takayoshi (1823-1894), who was 35 at the time, became the head of the family.

1.2. Childhood Interest in Learning

From an early age, Asako displayed a strong interest in academics, preferring the study of the Four Books and Five Classics over traditional feminine pursuits such as sewing, tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arrangement), or playing the koto. However, the prevailing custom in merchant families rigidly dictated that "education was unnecessary for women," and her family members strictly forbade her from reading. Feeling excluded from the educational opportunities enjoyed by her brothers, she was determined to find a way to learn mathematics, economics, and literature after her marriage. She pursued self-study by hiring tutors and reading independently, often with the reluctant consent of her husband, who was initially skeptical of her abilities and indifferent to her ambitions.

2.1. Marriage to Hirooka Shinjirō

At the age of 17 (in 1866), Mitsui Asako married Hirooka Shinjirō (1841-1904), the second son of Hirooka Kyūemon Masatsu, the eighth head of the Kajimaya family, a powerful merchant house in Osaka comparable to Konoike Zen'emon. Upon her marriage, she integrated into the Kajimaya household and its established business affairs.

2.2. Revitalizing Kajimaya

At the age of 20, Asako faced the tumultuous period of the Meiji Restoration, which profoundly impacted the Kajimaya family's fortunes, causing their business to decline. She questioned the traditional merchant practice where the family head would leave business operations entirely to their tedai (employees) without direct involvement, recognizing its limitations. To address the financial struggles, she embarked on self-study of bookkeeping and arithmetic. Taking charge of the financially troubled business, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Hirooka Shinjirō, and his younger brother, Hirooka Kyūemon Masaaki (1844-1909), who became the ninth head of Kajimaya, to rebuild the family's enterprise.

3.1. Coal Industry Ventures

Around 1884, Hirooka Asako ventured into the coal industry, establishing Kōtan Shoten (広炭商店_{Kōtan Shōten}^Japanese) with Yoshida Chisen. Their initial business model involved selling coal produced from Hoashi Yoshikata's Chikuhō mine domestically and exporting it. However, the high costs associated with coal exports proved challenging. To overcome this, Kōtan Shoten acquired the coal mine itself and subsequently merged with Tokyo Coal Company, forming Nippon Coal Company (日本石炭会社_{Nippon Sekitan Kaisha}^Japanese), which managed the entire process from coal production to sales.

During this period, Japan experienced a deflationary recession, leading to a significant drop in coal demand and a sharp decline in prices. Consequently, Nippon Coal Company faced severe difficulties, and eventually, only the Uruno Coal Mine (located in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, later known as Futase Coal Mine, which supplied coal to the Yawata Steel Works) remained under Hirooka's control. Determined to make the venture a success, Asako personally traveled to the mine, often carrying a pistol for self-defense, and lived among the miners. Her willingness to undertake such an adventurous and male-dominated endeavor often led others to dismiss her as "crazy." Despite her legendary efforts, the Uruno Coal Mine was eventually sold to the government-owned Yawata Steel Works in 1899. Although the exact profit she gained from this sale is not known, Hirooka was already looking towards her next business endeavors.

3.2. Financial Institutions

Following her ventures in the coal industry, Hirooka Asako shifted her focus to finance, playing a foundational role in establishing several key institutions. In 1888, she founded Kajima Bank (加島銀行_{Kajima Ginkō}^Japanese). Subsequently, in 1902, she was instrumental in the establishment of Daido Life Insurance (大同生命_{Daidō Seimei}^Japanese), which became a significant contributor to Japan's financial modernization. Through these efforts, the Kajimaya family transformed into a powerful, modern financial zaibatsu in Osaka.

3.3. Reputation as a Leading Businesswoman

Hirooka Asako became widely recognized as one of the most prominent female entrepreneurs of the Meiji era. She was often mentioned alongside other notable businesswomen of her time, such as Suzuki Yone (founder of Suzuki Shōten) and Mineshima Kiyo, who managed Owari-ya Bank and Mineshima Partnership. Her audacious and intelligent nature earned her the moniker "a woman of exceptional talent" (一代の女傑_{Ichidai no Joketsu}^Japanese). Her personal motto and pen name, 九転十起生_{Kyūten Jikkisei}^Japanese, which translates to "nine times falling, nine times rising again," perfectly encapsulated her extraordinary resilience, sharp intellect, and unwavering business acumen in the face of numerous challenges.

4.1. Founding of Japan Women's University

Hirooka Asako's passion for women's higher education was ignited in 1896 when she was introduced to Naruse Jinzo, the principal of Baika Girls' School, through Tokura Shōzaburō. Naruse was actively seeking collaborators for the establishment of a women's higher education institution. While initially hesitant, Asako was deeply moved by Naruse's book, 女子教育_{Joshi Kyōiku}^Japanese (Women's Education), which resonated strongly with her own childhood experience of being denied formal schooling.

She found that Naruse's vision for women's education precisely matched her own aspirations. Asako became a powerful supporter, offering not only significant financial contributions but also actively working alongside Naruse to solicit cooperation from influential figures in political and business circles. Her efforts extended to her own family, the Mitsui family, whom she persuaded to donate valuable land in Mejirodai, Tokyo, for the university's campus. These concerted efforts culminated in the establishment of Japan Women's University (日本女子大学校_{Nihon Joshi Daigakkō}^Japanese) in 1901. Asako was one of its key founders and served as an initial councilor, while her husband, Hirooka Shinjirō, was also a member of the founding committee. Raicho Hiratsuka, a prominent feminist and student at Japan Women's University, later recounted Asako's practical approach to education, noting how Asako would scold students for studies she deemed too "theoretical," emphasizing the importance of practical skills.

4.2. Christian Activities and Women's Movements

After the death of her husband, Hirooka Shinjirō, in 1904, Asako transitioned her business responsibilities to her son-in-law, Hirooka Keizō, who became the second president of Daido Life Insurance. From then on, she dedicated herself primarily to women's education and broader social welfare initiatives. She engaged in personal academic pursuits, studying under figures like Nagai Nagayoshi, and became a central figure in the Osaka branch's jusan (industrial promotion) projects for the Patriotic Women's Association.

In January 1909, she underwent surgery for a malignant chest tumor and made a full recovery. Later that year, at Kikuchi Kanji's residence in Osaka, she met Pastor Miyagawa Tsuneteru. Influenced by Naruse Jinzo, who was also present and recommended religious philosophy, Asako was baptized by Pastor Miyagawa in 1911, formally converting to Christianity.

Her conversion marked a significant turn in her public life, as she became an active participant in the women's rights movement and the anti-prostitution movement. She frequently contributed essays and articles to the numerous women's magazines that emerged during that period. Asako believed that what she perceived as negative "second natures" in women-such as jealousy, narrow-mindedness, vanity, and complaining-could be overcome through spiritual discipline, much like she observed in Western women who practiced religion. To promote this belief and the Christianization of Japan, she published Miyagawa's "Spiritual Awakening" (心霊の覚醒_{Shinrei no Kakusei}^Japanese) and her own work, "Isshu Isshin" (一週一信_{Isshu Isshin}^Japanese). She served as a central committee member of the Japan YWCA and chaired the preparatory committee for the establishment of the Osaka YWCA.

5.1. Conversion to Christianity

Hirooka Asako's conversion to Christianity in 1911 was a pivotal moment in her life. She was baptized by Pastor Miyagawa Tsuneteru, whom she had met through her associate Naruse Jinzo. This faith profoundly influenced her subsequent activities and worldview. Asako believed that spiritual development, as offered by Christianity, was essential for the personal growth of women. She posited that through religious discipline, women could cultivate stronger characters and overcome perceived weaknesses. This conviction led her to actively promote Christian teachings through her writings and public engagements. She notably published Miyagawa's "Spiritual Awakening" and her own 一週一信_{Isshu Isshin}^Japanese, both aiming to inspire spiritual transformation and advocate for the moral and social upliftment of Japanese women through the lens of Christian values.

5.2. Writings and Philosophy

Hirooka Asako was a prolific writer, known for her profound reflections on life, faith, and the role of women in society. Her most notable published work is 一週一信_{Isshu Isshin}^Japanese (literally "One Letter a Week"), which was released in 1918. This book comprised a collection of essays she had previously contributed to the weekly newspaper "Christian World" under her distinctive pen name, 九転十起生_{Kyūten Jikkisei}^Japanese. This pen name, meaning "nine times falling, nine times rising again," perfectly encapsulated her philosophy of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. "Isshu Isshin" also included an autobiography covering her life up to her 70th year, offering insights into her personal and spiritual journey, and her views on the importance of faith and determination in overcoming life's challenges. Her writings often emphasized the need for women to develop strong moral character and contribute actively to society.

5.3. Family and Hobbies

Hirooka Asako married Hirooka Shinjirō in 1866. They had one daughter, Kameko (1876-1973), who was born in October 1876. Shinjirō was the second son of the eighth head of the Kajimaya family and later became the first president of Amagasaki Spinning (which eventually became Unitika) and a director of the Osaka Canal. He was known for his enjoyment of Yokyoku (Noh chants) and for his supportive nature towards his wife's ambitions. It is also documented that Shinjirō had three daughters and one son with a maid.

Beyond her demanding business and social commitments, Asako had personal interests. She was an avid amateur player of Go and was considered highly skilled. She also actively supported Ishii Senji, a professional Go player. Her life reflected a balance between her public responsibilities and her private intellectual pursuits and hobbies.

6.1. Final Years and Continued Advocacy

Even after the formal establishment of Japan Women's University, Hirooka Asako's passion for women's education remained undiminished. From 1914 until 1918, the year before her death, she hosted annual summer study camps for young women. These retreats were held at her villa in Ninooka, Gotemba, a popular summer resort area. Notable participants in these study sessions included young Ichikawa Fusae, who would later become a prominent feminist and politician, and Muraoka Hanako, a renowned translator. During this period, she also commissioned the construction of a four-story house in Shiba Zaimokuchō, Tokyo (an area now part of Roppongi Hills and the Hollywood Beauty Plaza), designed by Vories, a relative who was a prominent architect. She continued her contributions to society through various philanthropic and educational initiatives.

6.2. Death

Hirooka Asako died in Tokyo on January 14, 1919. She passed away at her villa in Azabu Zaimokuchō (present-day Roppongi 6-chome) at the age of 69 (71 by East Asian age reckoning). While some sources attribute her death to influenza during the devastating 1918 flu pandemic, other accounts specify nephritis (kidney inflammation) as the cause. She reportedly left no formal will, famously stating, "What I usually say is all my will." During her lifetime, she had actively acquired various properties, including villas and separate residences, with the intention of leaving real estate assets to her descendants. Funerals were held for her in both Tokyo and Osaka. To commemorate her significant achievements, Japan Women's University held a comprehensive memorial service involving the entire student body on June 28, 1919. Ōkuma Shigenobu, who had served as the founding committee chair for Japan Women's University, delivered a eulogy during the service. Ōkuma praised Hirooka's profound belief that "even if one is a woman, if one makes an effort, one can achieve work not inferior to men, and one can possess such strength. And human beings can carve out their circumstances to reach their desired ideals." He further acknowledged that while some might have misunderstood her, her activities were truly remarkable and served as a genuine model, not just for the Hirooka family but for society at large.

7.1. Social and Economic Legacy

Hirooka Asako's profound impact on Japan's economy and society is undeniable. Her sharp business acumen and unwavering resilience transformed the struggling Kajimaya family into a modern financial zaibatsu in Osaka, notably through the establishment of Kajima Bank and her instrumental role in founding Daido Life Insurance. She pioneered the way for women in the male-dominated fields of business and finance during the Meiji era, demonstrating that women could achieve as much as, or even surpass, men through determination and effort. Beyond her personal business success, her most significant social contribution was her advocacy for and instrumental role in establishing Japan Women's University. This effort laid a crucial foundation for women's higher education in Japan, fostering social progress and empowering future generations of women. Her contributions were celebrated by prominent figures like Ōkuma Shigenobu, who highlighted her as an exemplary figure for society.

7.2. Cultural Representations

Hirooka Asako's remarkable life has been brought to a wider audience through various cultural representations. Her story has inspired biographical works and novels, including Furukawa Chieko's "Tosa-bori River: The Life of Female Entrepreneur Hirooka Asako," which was later adapted into stage plays.

Most notably, she served as the model for Shiraoka Asa, the protagonist of Asa ga Kita (あさが来た_{Asa ga Kita}^Japanese), a highly popular NHK asadora (morning drama) that aired from 2015 to 2016. The drama starred Haru as the main character and brought Hirooka's pioneering spirit and challenges to national attention. Her legacy is also recognized in animated television commercials for Daido Life Insurance, which feature her story as part of the company's historical branding.

7.3. Archival Discoveries

In 2015, a significant historical discovery shed new light on Hirooka Asako's life and the extensive business activities of the Kajimaya family. Approximately 10,000 historical documents were found in a private residence in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. These documents included loan agreements from various domains during the late Edo period, providing valuable insights into the financial transactions of the Kajimaya family, which often acted as a financial agent for these domains. The collection also contained numerous letters written by Hirooka Asako herself, offering direct perspectives on her thoughts, business strategies, and personal life, thereby enriching the historical understanding of her contributions and the economic landscape of her era.

8.1. Key Associates

• Naruse Jinzo: The founder of Japan Women's University. His book, 女子教育_{Joshi Kyōiku}^Japanese (Women's Education), deeply influenced Asako and became the blueprint for the university they co-founded.
• Ōkuma Shigenobu: A prominent statesman who served as the founding committee chair of Japan Women's University. He delivered a eulogy at Asako's memorial service, praising her significant contributions to society and her belief in women's capabilities.
• Kawai Michi: A notable Japanese educator and social reformer who, alongside Asako, was a leader at the YWCA Summer Conference in 1912, highlighting their shared commitment to women's empowerment.
• Emma Kaufman: Another key figure who participated as a leader at the YWCA Summer Conference in 1912, collaborating with Asako and Kawai Michi on various initiatives.
• Raicho Hiratsuka: An influential feminist and writer, and a student at Japan Women's University. She recalled Asako's emphasis on practical, rather than purely theoretical, education for young women.
• Ichiyanagi Makiko: The sister of Asako's son-in-law, Hirooka Keizō. Asako actively supported her marriage to the American architect and missionary Vories, which was considered unconventional at the time.
• Nakagawa Kojuro: The founder of Ritsumeikan University. He joined Kajimaya at Asako's request after leaving the Ministry of Education and was instrumental in the founding of Daido Life Insurance, serving in various key positions within the Kajimaya group.
• Tokura Shōzaburō: A close associate who played a pivotal role by introducing Naruse Jinzo to Hirooka Asako, thereby facilitating their groundbreaking collaboration on the establishment of Japan Women's University.
• Inoue Hide: The first female president of Japan Women's University (fourth overall). She was a close friend of Asako's daughter, Kameko, from their time at Kyoto Prefectural Higher Girls' School. Inoue often accompanied Asako on business trips, including to the Uruno Coal Mine, and was encouraged by Asako to pursue further studies in the United States.
• Honma Shunpei: The founder of Seijo Gakuen. Hirooka Asako made a substantial donation of 500.00 K JPY to him, which, in contemporary value, is estimated to be approximately 2.00 B JPY, forming a foundational contribution to the establishment of the school.
• Okumura Iokko: The founder of the Patriotic Women's Association. Asako and Okumura were introduced by Ōkuma Shigenobu and became "inseparable friends." Okumura highly admired Asako, and Asako's advocacy for women's education during a visit to Okumura in Karatsu in 1906 contributed to the founding of Karatsu Girls' School (now Saga Prefectural Karatsu Nishi High School) the following year.

8.2. Significant Institutions

• Japan Women's University: Co-founded by Hirooka Asako in 1901, this institution stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to higher education for women and played a crucial role in expanding opportunities for women in Japan.
• YWCA: Hirooka Asako was actively involved with the Young Women's Christian Association, serving as a central committee member of Japan YWCA and chairing the preparatory committee for the establishment of the Osaka YWCA. Her engagement reflects her dedication to Christian social reform and women's empowerment.
• Kajima Bank: Established by Hirooka Asako in 1888, this bank was a cornerstone of the Kajimaya family's transformation into a modern financial zaibatsu, showcasing her pioneering role in the banking sector.
• Daido Life Insurance: Founded in 1902 with Hirooka Asako's significant involvement, this company became a major financial entity and solidified her legacy as a foundational figure in Japan's modern insurance industry.