Teiko Hayashi

Sadako Hayashi (Hayashi Teiko, July 4, 1919 – August 13, 2006) was a Japanese expert in early childhood education. She graduated from the Faculty of Letters, Philosophy Department at Keio University, and subsequently completed the master's course in the Graduate School of Letters at Keio University, majoring in Sociology.

Her father was Shintsu Makino (the eldest son of Nobuaki Makino, Count), and her mother was Junko (daughter of Baron Nagakazu Nabeshima and chief court lady to Empress Michiko). Her eldest daughter, Sadako, after graduating from Keio University, majored in sociology and earned a master's degree.

In 1947, she founded Matsuo Kindergarten, one of the kindergartens located in Matsuo, Shibuya, Tokyo. The kindergarten was known as an institution attended by children of politicians, business leaders, royalty, and prominent figures, and was called one of the "Three Great Kindergartens." Tuition fees are considered among the highest in Japan. Her eldest daughter, Fumiko, married Takamune Mitsui, the fourth son of Takashi Mitsui of the Mitsui family, and served as the chairperson of Wakaba-kai Kindergarten. Her second daughter, Ayako, is the eldest daughter of Takaaki Kobayashi, president of Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance, and the mother of Michiko Horiuchi, a former member of the House of Representatives and former cabinet minister. Her third daughter, Shigeko, was a researcher of The Tale of Genji and wife of Toki Norie, an advisor at KDDI.

Her family includes her eldest son, Tomoyoshi, who inherited the headship of the family. Her grandson from her eldest son’s second daughter is Chise, a member of the rock band PENICILLIN. The Hayashi family lineage includes prominent figures in politics, culture, and music.

Sadako Hayashi was recognized for her achievements in early childhood education and her role as a human rights advocate, receiving the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class. She also served as an honorary professor at Tokai University.