Hiro-oka Asako

Background

Hiro-oka Asako was born in 1849.

Career

When her husband's house, Kashimaya, was on the decline around the Meiji Restoration (1868), she ably assisted her husband. Going to Edo all alone, she succeeded in collecting loans which Kashimaya had extended to various feudal lords. She then supervised all business of her husband, even going down to collieries to oversee mining. After the death of her husband, she let the husband of her daughter take over the business. A Christian, she was interested in social welfare work and helped Jinzo Naruse found the Japan women's College.

Achievements

• Helped Jinzo Naruse found the Japan women's College.

Connections

She married Kyugoro Hiro-oka, a rich merchant in Osaka.

Spouse:

Kyugoro Hiro-oka

Sister:

Takayasu Mitsui