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Announcing the 20th Raiteiu Prize Entry Call

Japan Women's University, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is excited to announce the opening of submissions for the 20th Raiteiu Prize beginning July 1, 2026. This esteemed award celebrates the legacy of Raiteiu Hiratsuka, a philosophical thinker and writer who was a student at Japan Women's University, marking 100 years since her graduation.

Raiteiu Hiratsuka, known for her influential opening line in her magazine Seito (Bluestockings), proclaimed, "In the beginning, woman was indeed the sun. A true human being." Her work is pivotal as it launched Japan's first literary magazine created by women for women, serving as a foundational piece of the women's liberation movement. Through her relentless advocacy for women's political rights and peace initiatives, she continues to inspire modern Japan as an opinion leader. This prize aims to commemorate her contributions while promoting a society of gender equality and global peace through women's liberation.

Prize Overview

Eligibility Criteria

The Raiteiu Prize is open to individuals and organizations engaged in research or activities related to:
1. Raiteiu Hiratsuka's legacy.
2. Realizing a gender-equal society.
3. Conducting research or activities aimed at world peace through women's liberation.

Self-nominations and third-party nominations are both welcomed.

Award Titles and Prizes

1. Raiteiu Prize (Honorary): One award recognizing significant past contributions in research or activities.
- Monetary award: 200,000 JPY.
2. Raiteiu Prize (Encouragement): Two awards aimed at recognizing future projects that show potential for development.
- Monetary award: 100,000 JPY each.

Application Requirements

Both individuals and groups are eligible, regardless of whether they self-nominate or are nominated by others. The following qualifications apply:

• - Honorary Award: No specific restrictions.
• - Encouragement Award: Open to students or groups akin to students demonstrating potential through their research or project proposals.

Application Period

• - Applications will be accepted from July 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026.

Announcement and Award Ceremony

• - Announcement: November 13, 2026.
• - Award Ceremony: December 19, 2026.

Selection Committee (in alphabetical order)

• - Kiyoko Ikegami: Chair of Plan International Japan and Vice President of the Asian Population and Development Association.
• - Akiko Sanami: Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, Japan Women's University.
• - Kazuko Tanaka: Chair of the Japan Women's University Educational and Cultural Promotion Sakura Group.
• - Akiko Nagai: Director of the Modern Women Career Research Institute at Japan Women's University.
• - Yoko Hayashi: Lawyer and Chair of the Center for Women in Politics.

For further details, please visit the Raiteiu Prize official website.

About Raiteiu Hiratsuka

Raiteiu Hiratsuka graduated from Japan Women's University in 1906. Her magazine, Seito, became a cornerstone in the women’s liberation movement, famously declaring "In the beginning, woman was indeed the sun," as a rallying cry for women's rights. A passionate advocate for peace, she dedicated her life to women's liberation. 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of her passing.

Past Recipients

For information on previous awardees, please visit the Raiteiu Prize website at Raiteiu Prize History.

Japan Women’s University, established as the first organized higher education institution for women in Japan, celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2021. It boasts the only private women's faculty of science and a blended education environment. The university fosters independent learners capable of creating new values under the tagline, "I act, and the world opens." In the 2024 academic year, they will launch a new department for architectural design, alongside the recent establishment of a food science department. Plans for various new departments are under discussion for 2027 through 2029, indicating the ongoing evolution of the university. To learn more, visit Japan Women’s University.