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Celebrating the 19th Hiratsuka Raichō Prize

On November 7th, 2023, the Japanese Women's University in Tokyo announced the recipients of the 19th Hiratsuka Raichō Prize, aimed at recognizing and encouraging the contributions of organizations, researchers, and students. This year, 6 nominations for honors and 15 for encouragement were received, resulting in one honor awarded and two encouragements.

Award Recipients

• - Honorary Award: DPI Women's Disability Network
• - Encouragement Awards:

- Yuai Sakamoto (Keio University)
- Mari Hamada (Ochanomizu University)

Award Ceremony Details

The award ceremony is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Japanese Women's University, Mejiro Campus, in the Shin-Suienkan building.

Selection Committee Members

The selection committee is comprised of experts from various fields, including:

• - Kiyoko Ikegami (Chairperson, Plan International Japan)
• - Akiko Sanami (Professor, Japanese Women's University)
• - Haruyo Takano (Honorary Professor, Japanese Women's University)
• - Akiko Nagai (Director, Modern Women’s Career Research Center)
• - Yoko Hayashi (Attorney, Chairperson of the Women's and Politics Center)

Insights from the Selection Committee

In determining the recipients for the 19th Hiratsuka Raichō Prize, the committee deliberated on the candidates’ achievements in terms of advancing the liberation of women globally, addressing pressing issues, and fostering peace and justice within communities. The honorees were selected based on their significant contributions.

Honorary Award Recipient: DPI Women's Disability Network

Research/Activity Focus:

Achieving Social Inclusion and Addressing Multiple Discrimination Against Women with Disabilities
Reason for Award:
The DPI Women's Disability Network has been a pivotal force since its establishment in 1986, advocating for the rights of women with disabilities both domestically and internationally. The organization has maintained strong stability and has been recognized for its impactful accomplishments over the past 40 years.
Its efforts to gather the diverse needs of women with disabilities, who often struggle to have their voices heard, have led to important recommendations in domestic laws and policies.
Additionally, their contributions to international instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, have also gained significant recognition. The organization's work is essential for building an inclusive society free from discrimination, focusing on gathering information and policy advocacy.

Encouragement Award Recipient: Yuai Sakamoto

Research/Activity Focus:

Managing a Share House for Female Students from Regional Areas
Reason for Award:
Yuai Sakamoto’s initiative addresses housing issues that impede female students from rural areas in making educational choices. Her experience as a student from Osaka attending university in Tokyo fueled her desire to tackle these challenges.
By establishing and managing a share house specifically for female students, she has amplified the options available to them. Utilizing crowdfunding, she renovated a 50-year-old vacant house and introduced eco-friendly appliances, thus addressing housing needs while promoting social responsibility.
While there are challenges in sustaining this community driven project, the committee commends its potential for further growth and impact.

Encouragement Award Recipient: Mari Hamada

Research/Activity Focus:

Analyzing Harassment in the Political Field
Reason for Award:
Mari Hamada has taken a profound interest in political harassment and is conducting critical research on the topic at her graduate school. To increase female representation in politics, she established the group “Stand by Women” to support female politicians and candidates.
By empowering these women and creating an environment where they can think of entering politics as a viable career option, she is fostering change in the political landscape. Her work resonates with the founding principles of the Hiratsuka Raichō and highlights the ongoing struggle for women's participation in politics.
With the recent emergence of Japan's first female Prime Minister, the conversation around women's political involvement enters a new phase. The committee is eager to see how women politicians can address the challenges facing women today.

For more information, please visit the official Hiratsuka Raichō Prize website.

About Hiratsuka Raichō

Hiratsuka Raichō, a notable figure in women's rights, graduated from the Japanese Women's University in 1906 and launched the first literary magazine by women for women,