Shams El-Mutwalli

DUBAI: In the Beginning, Woman Was the Sun is an autobiography by Raicho Hiratsuka which was translated by Teruko Craig. The book is divided into six chapters spanning childhood up until her 30s, providing a lens into the life of one of Japan’s most notable feminists.

The book explores Raicho’s life from her earliest childhood memories into adulthood, as well as the launch of Seito, the first Japanese publication run by women in 1911. Through this autobiography Raicho offers insight into the life cycle of the publication, including how it developed and its eventual end.

The purpose of the autobiography reflects on women reclaiming their sense of self-worth and taking ownership of their spirit.

Raicho is recognized for sharing how “In the beginning, woman was truly the sun. An authentic person. Now she is the moon, a wan and sickly moon, dependent on another, reflecting another’s brilliance,” tying into the central themes present in the book.

The autobiography also includes an introduction and notes by Craig, published in 2006.