Uryu Iwako

She established a midwifery research institute and relief facility to care for orphans and the poor, and promoted social work and girls' education.

Iwako was born in Kitakata, Fukushima, to a merchant family of the Aizu domain.

After becoming widowed at a young age, she devoted her life to helping poor and orphans, took the lead in building hospitals, and contributed to improving the living conditions of Fukushima and Tokyo's average citizens.

[1] Iwako was the first woman to receive the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon, which is awarded by the Japanese government to outstanding individuals in the field of social welfare or public service.

[4][5] A bronze statue in her honor was dedicated in Shōkōen Park, Asakusa in April 1901.