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From Shibusawa to Tsuda: Faces on Japan’s New Currency

 

Yesterday, I wrote about Eiichi Shibusawa on the 10,000 yen bill. Today, I want to highlight another important figure appearing on Japan’s new currency—Umeko Tsuda, featured on the new 5,000 yen note.

 

Umeko Tsuda (1864–1929) was a pioneer of women’s education in Japan during the Meiji and Taisho eras. At just six years old, she became one of Japan’s first female exchange students, traveling to the United States in 1871 as part of the Iwakura Mission. She spent 11 years studying abroad—an extraordinary experience for a young girl at that time.

 

After returning to Japan, she recognized a major gap: society did not believe women needed higher education. Tsuda challenged that idea. She believed education was essential for women to become independent and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

In 1900, she founded Joshi Eigaku Juku, which later became Tsuda University. Through this institution, she dedicated her life to advancing women’s education and empowerment.

 

Her legacy is now honored on Japan’s new 5,000 yen bill, issued starting in 2024.

 

Japan’s currency doesn’t just represent money—it tells the story of the people who shaped the nation.