Source: Bored Panda
In 1868 Japan embarked on the Meiji period, which led its previously isolated society to modernize and have a much greater connection with the wider world. This period delivered fundamental changes to the country’s social structure, economy, foreign relations and education. During these times, diplomatic voyages like the Iwakura Mission became possible.
The mission’s goal was not only to deal with diplomatic affairs overseas, but also to study educational systems and structures of the United States and Europe. Because of this mission, the first Japanese woman was able to get a college degree.Sutematsu Yamakawa, born in 1860, was only 12 years old when she became one of the five young women to travel to the U.S. with the Iwakura Mission. However, according to the story she didn’t have a say in the situation, and was forced to go to the unfamiliar land against her will. Sutematsu’s brother signed her up to go to America without asking her, in order to have fewer mouths to feed in the family.
Sutematsu had…
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