Shidehara Masako

Masako Hizokara (Shidehara Masako, December 18, 1881 – July 31, 1956) was born into a family of Japanese entrepreneurs and was the wife of Kijuro Shidehara, the 44th Prime Minister of Japan.

Birth and Family Background

Masako Hizokara was born as the fourth daughter of Yataro Iwasaki, one of the founders of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu established by Yataro Iwasaki. Her birth was the result of a relationship with a concubine, making her a half-sister to Haruji (later wife of Takashi Kato), Hisaya, and Isoro (wife of Shigefumi Kinuya).

Marriage and Children

In 1903 (Meiji 36), at the age of 23, Masako married Kijuro Shidehara, who would later become the 44th Prime Minister of Japan. Through her marriage, Masako took on the role of a politician's wife. They had three sons; the youngest, Heizo, died young. Their eldest son, Michitaro, became a professor at Dokkyo University, and their second son, Shigeo, worked for Mitsubishi Paper Mills.

Death

Masako Hizokara died on July 31, 1956 (Showa 31). The causes of death were facial nerve paralysis and old age.

Notes

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