Akiko Yosano

She was born on December 7, 1878, as the third daughter of Surugaya, a Japanese confectionery store located in Kaimachi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City.

She spent her impressionable childhood in Sakai, helping out with the family business and joining a literary society.

She moved to Tokyo at the age of 22, married her singing teacher Yosano Hiroshi (Tekkan), and became the mother of 12 children.

Her representative works include the poetry collection "Midaregami" and the poem "Kimi Shinitamuku Koto Nare."

Although she is famous as a poet, her activities have not been limited to poetry; he has also broadened the scope of her world of expression, including a modern translation of The Tale of Genji and critical commentary on social and educational issues.

Her critical essays, in particular, continue to convey universal messages that are relevant even today. She passed away on May 29, 1942, at the age of 63.

Every year in Sakai, a memorial service called "Hakuoki" is held on the anniversary of her death.