After experiencing gender discrimination in the workplace, Kitamura decided to become a lawyer to improve conditions and reduce inequality.
[1] In 1959, Kitamura started working at the Osaka Family Court, then from 1979 until 1991, at the Ashiya Education Commission to chair terms.
[citation needed] The Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred during her time in office, and 400 of Ashiya's citizens were killed.
With transportation and official communications lines down, Kitamura had to call the mayors of Osaka, Beppu, and Izumo personally to ask for aid.
Kitamura was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (旭日中綬章, Kyokujitsu chūjushō) in 2004.