fem-tech.siteThoughts hidden in the song
Kako Nakajima (January 21, 1845 - January 30, 1903) was a Japanese poet, literary figure, and educator who flourished during the Meiji era. She established a private school called "Hagi no Sha," where she taught waka (classical Japanese poetry) and calligraphy, attracting many children from the upper and middle classes and achieving great success.
Kako was born in 1845 in Morito Village, Musashi Province (present-day Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture). Her father, Mataemon Nakajima, was a farmer and village headman, while her mother, Ikuko Fukushima, came from a wealthy merchant family associated with the shogunate. During her early childhood, Kako moved to Uyeno Ageyabashi-cho in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and later resided in a mansion in Koishikawa.
From the age of 10 to 15, Kako served as a maid in the household of the Mito clan's branch family, the Matsudaira family, in Fuchu. At the age of 18, she married Tadaemon Hayashi, a retainer of the Mito clan, and became part of the Hayashi family in Mito Goken-cho. However, her husband committed suicide due to his involvement in the Tengu Party rebellion in 1864, and Kako was also imprisoned for two months as an accomplice. This event had a significant impact on her life.
Furthermore, Kako studied waka under the Mito scholar Haruo Hayashi, but after his death, she became a disciple of Chiryo Kato. In the Meiji era, she opened her own waka school called "Hagi no Sha" at her residence. This school became a place not only for teaching waka composition but also for classical literature and calligraphy. Kako also conducted visits and lessons for upper-class and middle-class families, including the Nabeshima and Maeda families. Her relationship with prominent writers Higuchi Ichiyo and Miyake Kahō is particularly well-known, and she is remembered as their mentor.
Hagi no Sha thrived, hosting various poetry gatherings and literary activities. Under Kako's guidance, many of her disciples were able to develop their talents in waka and calligraphy and receive recognition. Kako herself demonstrated exceptional talent in waka and poetry, establishing a certain position in the literary world of the Meiji era.
When evaluating Kako Nakajima's achievements, it is important to consider her contributions not only to women's education and cultural promotion during the Meiji era but also to the field of Femtech in contemporary times. Her dedication and enthusiasm exemplify the importance of technology and innovation in improving women's health and quality of life, serving as an inspiration for women today. Kako Nakajima's presence can be seen as that of a significant pioneer in the advancement of Femtech and the improvement of women's status.