Kiyoura Tōko

Renko Kiyōra (born March 24, 1858 – October 6, 1944) was a Japanese educator. She was born as the eldest daughter of the Kishu Domain samurai, Hidetarō Kimi. In 1858, she was born in Kishu Domain. In 1873, she married Keigo Kiyōra, whom she met through an introduction by acquaintances; at that time, Kiyōra was serving as a minor official in Saitama Prefecture.

Renko Kiyōra was involved in the establishment and management of Ebara Ladies’ School and Shinagawa Girl’s High School, which later became the forerunner of Shinagawa Girls’ Academy. In 1918, she became the president of the Ebara Women’s Society and dedicated herself to the development of the school through this activity. When Ebara Girls’ School was founded in 1926, she became its first principal. She also served as principal of Shinagawa Girls’ High School when it was established in 1929.

During the establishment of the school auditorium, her husband, Keigo Kiyōra, delivered a lecture and inscribed calligraphy. As a principal, she emphasized proper bearing and conduct; she was known as a “principal who says nothing,” but her presence and atmosphere were highly valued by those around her. Masako Urushiyoshi described her as “radiating a dignified and fine aura.”

Additionally, due to her husband Keigo Kiyōra’s involvement as an executive at Honganji, Renko Kiyōra founded a ladies’ gathering associated with the Honganji temple called the “Reijō-kai” (Young Ladies’ Society). Initially, the society was formed for the daughters of related parties, but eventually, it opened to other young ladies as well. The organization's activities focused on studying the attire and manners of women, and it gained widespread recognition, being referred to as “the Young Ladies’ Society among ladies.”

In Iwasaki Sado’s book “The Wife of a Meiji Minister,” Renko is described as possessing “innate virtues of character.”

Regarding her family relations, her husband was Keigo Kiyōra, a politician. Her descendants include Natsumi Kiyōra, an actor and singer, who is her great-granddaughter.

Details about her place of birth, specific activities throughout her life, and other detailed career information are not provided.

【References】

Iwasaki Sado, “The Wife of a Meiji Minister” (Daigakukan, 1903)

Koei Tsushin, “Radio Alumni Association: Toast to Our Alma Mater! Episode 6 Broadcast” (December 1, 2002)