Chiyo Obuchi

Chiyo Obuchi (1906 – February 2, 1996) was a Japanese businesswoman and political activist. She was from Naku Village, Azuma District, Gunma Prefecture (currently part of Naka town). Her maiden name was Seki, and she is sometimes written as "Obuchi Chiyo."

Regarding her education and early career, she graduated from Sato Sewing School (currently Takasaki Commercial University-affiliated High School). She then worked at the Shinko Factory of Kanebo, and subsequently joined Obuchi Silk Spinning Company.

In 1929, she married Kohei Obuchi (later a member of the House of Representatives), and became involved in his business activities as an executive. When Kohei ran in the 24th general election for the House of Representatives, she supported his campaign activities as a mobilizer.

In her political activities, she assisted her husband in his campaign during the 24th general election in 1949. However, in the subsequent 25th general election in 1952, she was arrested for violating the Public Office Election Law. She was again arrested in 1958, during the 28th general election, for the same reason, and was detained for one month.

In that same year (1958), her husband Kohei suddenly passed away. Afterward, amid the decline of the silk industry, she continued to make steady efforts to manage and sustain her business. Ultimately, the Koyama Silk Spinning Company ceased operations in 1995.

She died in 1996.

In terms of family relations, she was the mother of Kohei Obuchi (the second, and the mayor of Naka town), Keizo Obuchi (Prime Minister of Japan), and her granddaughter Yuko Obuchi (Keizo’s daughter and a member of the House of Representatives).

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