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Empress Jingū

Referred to as the first onna-bugeisha, meaning female warrior, Empress Jingū is said to have been a third-century ruler of Japan who led an invasion of Korea following the death of her husband Emperor Chūai.

Toshiko Yuasa

Recognized as an influential woman in STEM, Toshiko Yuasa was a notable Japanese physicist who graduated from the Division of Science, Tokyo Women’s Higher Normal School and eventually developed a double-focussing beta spectrometer.

Raicho Hiratsuka

Raicho Hiratsuka was a Japanese feminist, author, and advocator of women’s rights. She founded the first literary journal run by women in Japan in 1911, and the New Women’s Association in 1920.

Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono is a Japanese artist popular for her avant-garde art, films, and performances. She is also popular for her artistic statements on social justice especially her piece Bed-In (1969) created alongside John Lennon.

Yayoi Kusama

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has established a strong reputation and unique style in the art world famous for her use of polka-dots and her immersive installation pieces.

Machiko Gozen

A 13th-generation Samurai woman and owner of Janat Paris teahouse that contributes to the ‘Femme Du Mondes’ foundation, empowering women as a result. Gozen’s family history also resulted in her inheriting a historic piece of the Eiffel Tower’s staircase displayed at Expo 2020 Dubai.   

Yuriko Koike

Yuriko Koike is the first female governor of Tokyo, elected in 2016. She also served as a member of Japan’s House of Representatives, and was the environment minister. Koike is also recognized for her ability to speak Arabic after studying the language at the American University in Cairo.

Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo is a tidying expert, bestselling author, and founder of the KonMari Method featured on the Netflix show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” encouraging people to declutter their homes using a special approach that gained her fame.