Japanese Women’s History Short Reads

It shouldn’t be a surprise anymore that history leaves women out of the conversation. The problem is only worse for American students when they study world or Asian history because the already women-deprived curriculum leaves them out almost entirely.

Japanese history in world history, for American students, does just that. The only mention of women other than general information such as, “the women gathered,” is the mention of geisha. And geisha are confused with prostitutes.

No more. Include more women, and the correct history of geisha in your world history, Asian history, or Japanese history classes with this short reads bundle.

There are six histories included in this bundle:

All of these short reads are just that – short. Most of the time, the information available to a non-Japanese speaking historian isn’t enough to include a lot of rich detail about these women but I included enough to showcase that women were involved and have been important throughout history.

Japan had eight empresses in its early history although one of them, Empress Suiko is the most well known – at least from what I found.

Murasaki Shikibu wrote the world’s first novel. There were plenty of epic stories in history but she wrote a book in the format that we are used to today. And it was popular. The story provides a unique look at the world through a woman’s eye.

Geisha are one of Japan’s most well-known icons. The distinctive white face makeup, the beautiful kimono, and the fabulous hair are just part of the story of geisha. They most certainly were not prostitutes until American GI’s confused the term.

Ama are female deep-sea divers. They dive deep into the waters in search of pearls, special seaweeds, and other important sea life found at the bottom of the water. These women were important to coastal towns and cities throughout Japanese history.

Izumo no Okuni invented kabuki, the unique Japanese performing art style. Known for having all-male casts and production crews it will surprise many to know it was invented by a woman and was originally all-female.

There aren’t many but we have to start somewhere. Add more women to your history classes today.

All of these short reads are available in a Google Classroom™ format as well.

Click below for the bundle!