Born: 1880 (Sanbonmatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan)
Died: 1971
Biography:
Kono Yasui (保井 コノ, Yasui Kono, 16 February 1880 – 24 March 1971) was a Japanese biologist and cytologist. She is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to science and her pioneering role as a female scientist in Japan. Yasui’s exceptional achievements and relentless pursuit of knowledge have left an indelible mark on the field of biology.
Yasui was born in the town of Sanbonmatsu in Kagawa Prefecture in 1880, into a family that owned a shipping business. Raised by parents who deeply valued education, she was the first of nine siblings. From a young age, her father instilled in her a passion for learning, encouraging her to read the influential book Encouragement of Learning by philosopher and educator Yukichi Fukuzawa. This early exposure to literature and ideas would shape Yasui’s intellectual development.
Throughout her early education, Yasui excelled in her studies, demonstrating exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics. She graduated from Kagawa Prefecture Normal School in 1898 and furthered her education at the Women’s Higher Normal School, where she completed the Division of Science in 1902. Afterward, Yasui embarked on a teaching career, initially at Gifu Girls’ Higher School and later at Kanda Girls’ School.
In 1905, an opportunity presented itself when the Women’s Higher Normal School established a graduate course. Yasui seized the chance to pursue her passion for scientific research, becoming the first woman to enter the course with a major in science research. She focused her studies on zoology and botany, publishing her first paper on the Weberian apparatus of carp fish in Zoological Science, a prestigious journal, in the same year. This groundbreaking achievement made her the first woman to be published in this journal. Her research on the aquatic fern Salvinia natans was also published in the Journal of Plant Sciences and the British journal Annals of Botany, marking another historic milestone as the first publication of a Japanese woman’s research in a foreign journal.
Yasui’s academic journey continued, and in 1907, she successfully completed the graduate program at the Women’s Higher Normal School, earning her place as an assistant professor at the institution. However, her desire to further her scientific knowledge and pursue research led her to face formidable barriers. When applying to study abroad, Yasui encountered resistance from the Japanese Ministry of Education, who held the belief that a woman cannot achieve much in science. She was only granted permission on the condition that she also included home economics research alongside scientific research on her application. Additionally, she was required to commit herself to her research and refrain from marrying.
Undeterred by these restrictions, Yasui traveled to Germany and the United States in 1914 to conduct cytological research at the University of Chicago. Her research took her to Harvard University in 1915, where she worked under the guidance of Professor E. C. Jeffrey, conducting research on coal. Yasui returned to Japan in June 1916 and continued her research on coal at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) until 1927. During her tenure at Tokyo Imperial University, she also taught genetics from 1918 to 1939. Yasui’s prowess as both a researcher and educator distinguished her as a prominent figure in the scientific community.
Yasui’s contributions to the field of biology and cytology were not only groundbreaking but also recognized and honored by her peers and the Japanese government. In 1927, she accomplished another historic milestone by becoming the first Japanese woman to receive a doctoral degree in science. Her unparalleled expertise and leadership in women’s education in Japan garnered her numerous accolades, including the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon and the prestigious Order of the Precious Crown Third Class.
Kono Yasui’s unwavering commitment to scientific exploration and her trailblazing achievements as a female scientist have left an enduring legacy. Her groundbreaking research, dedication to education, and advocacy for women in the field of science have inspired generations of aspiring scientists and helped shape the landscape of biology and cytology in Japan. Yasui’s remarkable life story continues to serve as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity and the invaluable contributions women make in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.
Awards:
– Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon
– Order of the Precious Crown Third Class