It is easy to start something, but difficult to continue it. It is even more difficult to make it a success. [Umeko Tsuda, New 5,000 Yen Note #QuoteNote61]
The quote I would like to introduce this time is as follows!
“It is easy to start something, but
it is difficult to continue it.
It is even more difficult to make it a success.”
Who said it
Umeko Tsuda
What kind of person was she?
Umeko Tsuda (1864–1929) was a women's educator during the Meiji and Taisho eras and is known as a pioneer of women's education in Japan. Having studied abroad from a young age, she was a person of strong conviction and initiative who believed in the potential of women and paved the way for them, without being bound by the values of Japan at the time.
One of Japan's first female students to study abroad
In 1871 (Meiji 4), at just six years old, she accompanied the Iwakura Mission and traveled to the United States as one of Japan's first female students to study abroad. She spent about 11 years in the United States, where she learned not only English but also a wide range of subjects including Latin, French, mathematics, physics, and astronomy, deeply absorbing Western culture and education.
Passion for women's education and the founding of the 'Joshi Eigaku Juku'
After returning to Japan, she felt doubts about the situation women were in at the time (where marriage was prioritized and opportunities for higher education were limited) and became strongly convinced that education was essential for improving the status of women. While teaching at schools such as the Peeresses' School, she founded the 'Joshi Eigaku Juku' (now Tsuda University) in 1900 (Meiji 33) to realize her own educational philosophy. This school aimed not only to provide English education but also to cultivate well-educated individuals who could be independent and active in society. The photo shows the first school building.
Talent as a biologist
In fact, during her second stay in the United States, she majored in biology and became the first Japanese woman to have a paper published in a Western academic journal. Although she was a promising researcher, she ultimately chose to dedicate her life to women's education.
Contribution to improving the status of women
Based on the belief that 'the improvement of women's status leads to the development of Japan,' she dedicated her life to women's education. She paved the way for many women to play active roles in society, and her achievements are highly regarded even today.
The person on the new 5,000 yen note
The portrait of Umeko Tsuda is depicted on the front of the new 5,000 yen note, which began circulation on July 3, 2024. This is the result of her achievements in contributing to the development of modern women's education in Japan being highly recognized as part of the first redesign of banknotes in 20 years.
Other quotes
“In the course of each person's life, there are difficulties and problems that one must face alone.”
She advocates for the importance of individual independence and facing the difficulties of life on one's own.
"If you have the will to learn, you don't need a perfect environment."
These words are based on her own experience, suggesting that even without a privileged environment, if you have a strong will to learn, you can learn in any situation.
"For a new sapling to sprout, a single seed must break apart.
Could the same not be said for me and my school?"
Written in her diary in 1917 (Taisho 6), these words show her resolve that her own sacrifices and efforts were essential for the founding and development of the Joshi Eigaku Juku (now Tsuda University). It reveals a strong will for reform, acknowledging that for something new to be born, it is necessary to break down old things and existing frameworks.
"I believe that true education requires something more important than material facilities.
In a word, that is the qualifications and enthusiasm of the teachers, and the research spirit of the students."
What she valued was not luxurious school buildings or facilities, but the idea that the enthusiasm of those who teach and the inquisitive spirit of those who learn are the essence of education. This philosophy is still carried on at Tsuda University today.
Related Information
If you want to get a quick grasp of the lives of great people, educational manga is recommended! Don't underestimate it just because it's manga! There is surprisingly a lot of text in the supplementary information, and if you get hooked on the story, it can be quite moving.
📢 Announcement
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Hello again. My name is 'Nick'. I didn't graduate from university, but I've been reading and working at a foreign-affiliated company for over 10 years. As an ordinary salaryman, I introduce 'quotes that strike the heart' that I've encountered through my experience of reading over 200 books and in my daily work and life. I also include many quotes from subcultures like manga, anime, and movies!
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