The AI female teacher (2)　kindly taught me about Umeko Tsuda.

1. Introduction

Everyone, today I’m going to talk about Umeko Tsuda.

Do you know about Umeko Tsuda?

She lived from December 31, 1864, to August 16, 1929, and she was an incredible person.

She was an educator who greatly transformed women’s education in Japan and is famous as a pioneer of female education.

At just six years old, Umeko became one of Japan’s first female students to study abroad and went to the United States.

She worked hard overseas, and after returning to Japan, she dedicated herself to improving education for women.

She focused on spreading education so that girls could thrive in society.

Umeko strongly believed that “women need a high level of education, and this will lead to the development of society as a whole.”

2. Childhood and Journey to America

Umeko was born in 1864 in Edo, which is now Tokyo.

At that time, Japan was undergoing significant changes and beginning to be influenced by foreign countries.

Her father was a progressive man interested in foreign agricultural techniques, and from his experience abroad, he wanted his daughter to have a broad perspective.

In 1871, when Umeko was just six years old, she was sent to study in America under a plan by the Meiji government.

This was part of the government’s effort to modernize Japan by sending young people abroad.

Along with two other girls, Umeko went to America, becoming one of Japan’s first female international students.

The purpose of this study abroad program was to train people who could contribute to Japanese women’s education and society, but at that time, there was little understanding in Japan about girls receiving higher education.

However, in America, Umeko learned new ideas and educational systems and discovered the many possibilities for women.

3. Experience in America and the Importance of Education

Life in America was an exciting adventure for young Umeko.

She encountered foreign cultures and ideas and especially realized how important it was for women to study and become independent.

She was deeply influenced by the American education system and was impressed by the freedom to study and the environment where girls could learn just like boys.

But when she returned to Japan in 1882, what awaited her was a harsh reality.

Japan had only just begun to change, and the idea of women receiving higher education was still largely unaccepted.

4. Struggles and Growth After Returning to Japan

When Umeko returned at the age of 18, she struggled with how to apply what she had learned in America.

At that time, women in Japan were still expected to “support the household,” and Umeko’s idea of “women’s independence” that she had learned in America wasn’t widely accepted.

However, Umeko didn’t give up and gradually began to spread the necessity of women’s education.

She started by working as a tutor, teaching English to women in the imperial court, and slowly began to put her educational ideas into practice.

5. Founding of the Predecessor to Tsuda University, the “Women’s English School”

In 1900, Umeko established a school called the “Women’s English School,” which became the foundation of today’s Tsuda University and was the greatest achievement of her life.

Through this school, Umeko aimed to educate women to become independent and successful in society.

At the Women’s English School, education focused on English but also covered a broad range of subjects.

Umeko’s goal was not just to teach language but to cultivate women with a wide perspective and deep knowledge.

6. Passion for Women’s Education and Challenges

Even while running the Women’s English School, Umeko faced many difficulties.

But she never wavered in her beliefs and continued to advocate for the importance of women’s education.

Umeko’s educational philosophy was that “women, like men, should receive education and have the ability to succeed in society.”

It might seem obvious now, but in Japan at the time, this was a revolutionary idea.

7. Later Years and Legacy

Umeko continued to work for the advancement of women’s education until her death in 1929.

She nurtured many talented women throughout her life.

Her legacy continues today through Tsuda University, and her educational philosophy is still cherished.

Umeko Tsuda’s life is a story of showing the importance of women’s education and opening new paths for many women.

Thanks to the trail Umeko blazed, many women in Japan today receive higher education and are thriving in various fields.

Did you all learn a bit about Umeko Tsuda?

There’s so much we can learn from her ideas and actions.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime!

(Note)

Everyone, please listen carefully. This is something I asked AI about.

AI answers aren’t always correct, so make sure to verify important information.

Also, there are support services and memberships available. It might be useful to know.

Thank you all for listening this far. Let’s keep doing our best together!

Thank you!