Yukiko Yoshida

Yukiko Yoshida (Yoshida Yukiko, maiden surname: Makino), born May 9, 1889 – died October 7, 1941), was a Japanese noble and politician Shigeru Yoshida’s wife. She hailed from the Count Makino Nobusuke family; Makino Nobusuke was a former Satsuma clan retainer, a diplomat, and an Inner Minister who served close to Emperor Showa.

Life and Family Background

She was born on May 9, 1889 (Meiji 22). As the eldest daughter, she studied tanka poetry under the guidance of Nobuyuki Sasaki, and later, she also authored a collection of English essays. In 1909 (Meiji 42), at the age of twenty, she married Shigeru Yoshida, who was then a consular officer. Yukiko and Shigeru Yoshida had two sons and three daughters.

Activities and Social Contributions

Yukiko was an earnest Catholic Christian. She also contributed to the establishment of Seisen Girl’s University, the predecessor of Seisen College. Detailed records remain regarding her family life and activities.

Death and Aftermath

She died of breast cancer on October 7, 1941 (Showa 16), at the age of 53 (52 in terms of age at last birthday). She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May of that same year. After her death, Shigeru Yoshida remarried in 1944, to Kiyo Sakamoto (formerly Koring Sakamoto).

Works

Yukiko authored poetry collections and English-language essays.

Poetry Collection

"Yukiko’s Poetry Collection," compiled by Shigeru Yoshida (published October 1950, edited by Shigeru Osada). Library of Congress Classification: NCID BA62817217.

English Publications

- *Whispering Leaves in Grosvenor Square 1936-1937* (1938, published by Longmans, Green. NCID: BA86203264)

- *Whispering Leaves in Grosvenor Square, 1936–37* (1997, published by Global Oriental. NCID: BA35476408)

Translated Works

*The Coronation of King George VI and the Chichibu Shrine: Whispering Leaves of the Grovernor Square Trees* (translated by Shozo Nagaoka, published by Shinjinbutsu Oraisha, 1996).

References, Notes, and External Links

While detailed references and notes are not available, inquiries about the correct reading of Yukiko’s name and information that she was among the siblings of Taro Aso can be found in the Referencing Cooperative Database.