Noguchi Akiko

Akiko Noguchi (born November 1, 1916 – July 27, 2004) was a Japanese businesswoman and leader of an osteopathy organization. She served as President of Zenseisha and as Chairperson of the Japan Osteopathic Association. She was the wife of Seibi founder Seiharu Noguchi and contributed to the spread of Noguchi Seitai through her activities.

Born in Tokyo, her maiden name was Konoe (she was a daughter of the Konoe family). Her father was Marquis Fumimaro Konoe, and her mother was Chiyoko, the daughter of Takakazu Mori. She graduated from Joshi Gakushuin. In 1937, she married Tadayoshi Shimotsu, the eldest son of Marquis Tadayoshi Shimotsu, and they had two sons and one daughter.

After marriage, Akiko lived as a member of the Shimotsu family, but during the postwar chaos, she separated from her husband, developed a private relationship with Seiharu Noguchi, and eloped. This event was called the "Showa Nora Incident" and became a topic of conversation at the time. In 1945, her divorce from Tadayoshi Shimotsu was finalized.

Under the guidance of her husband, Seiharu Noguchi, she operated Zenseisha, a publishing company, and was involved in promoting Noguchi Seitai. After his death, she worked as Chairperson of the Japan Osteopathic Association to promote and educate about Seitai methods. In her writings, she refers to her husband as "Sensei" to show her respect.

Akiko and Seiharu Noguchi had four sons. Their eldest son, Hiroya Noguchi, worked as a reporter for Kyodo News and later became the publisher of the Nippon Manila Newspaper. Their second son, Hiroyuki Noguchi, served as director of the Physical Education Research Institute. Their third son, Yusuke Noguchi, was a basic instructor and standing director of the Osteopathic Association. Their fourth son, Takashi, was responsible for publishing Seiharu’s works at Zenseisha.

She died of a myocardial infarction at her home in Komae City, Tokyo, in 2004, at the age of 87.

Her major works include "Reminiscences of Seiharu Noguchi - Pakuha no Geta" (Chikuma Bunko), "Child-rearing Memoirs," "Pakuha no Geta," "Songs of the Clock," "Poetry Collection: The Sky of the Way," "Invisible Thread," and others.

【Sources & References】

- Kasumi-Kaikan Keizoku-ke Zaikei Dai-sei (Enlarged Edition of the New and Old Kinaki Family Lineage), Kasumi-Kaikan, 1996

- Official website of Zenseisha (https://www.zenseisha.com/)

- Official site of the Japan Osteopathic Association