Yoshioka Yayoi

Japan's first female physician who revolutionized women's medical education

Born in 1871, Yoshioka Yayoi challenged gender norms by establishing Tokyo Women's Medical School in 1900. At a time when women were barred from higher education, she developed Japan's first medical curriculum specifically for female students.

Her groundbreaking work included:

• Pioneering public health campaigns against tuberculosis
• Establishing night schools for working women
• Creating Japan's first nursing training program with Western medical standards

Despite facing 35 years of government opposition, her institution finally gained official recognition in 1920. Today, Tokyo Women's Medical University remains a world leader in cardiac surgery and cancer research.