Yosano, Akiko (1878–1942)

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Yosano, Akiko (1878–1942)

Japanese writer and feminist. Pronunciation: Yoe-sah-no Ah-key-koe. Born Ho Sho in Sakai, Japan, in 1878; died in Tokyo in 1942; dau. of Otori (owner of a confectionery shop); m. Yosano Hiroshi (poet and founder of Shinshi Shi [New Poetry Society]); children: 10.

One of the best-known poets in Japan, caused a sensation with publication of 1st book of poems, Midaregami (Tangled Hair, 1901), which became an important work of Japanese romanticism; wrote over 20 volumes of poetry and social commentary; essays ranged from feminist tracts to criticism of Japan's foreign aggression, and her poetry reflects some of these concerns as well; also broke social taboos with poems about experiencing labor pains and the birth of her stillborn baby; published translations into modern Japanese of Murasaki Shikibu's classic Genji monogatari (The Tale of Genji, 1912 and 1939); also published a monumental compilation of 26,783 poems written by 6,675 poets in modern times.

See also Women in World History.