Kiyo Yoshida

Kiyo Yoshida (born 1904, Taisho 37 – died 2003, Heisei 15) was a Japanese politician and the widow of Shigeru Yoshida, who served as Prime Minister of Japan. Details about her place of birth and specific information regarding her birth have not been publicly disclosed.

Her biography is as follows: she was born in 1904 (Taisho 37) and was active as a geisha named "Korin" in Shinbashi, Tokyo. She was also recognized as a master of the Hanayagi school of traditional dance. In the early Showa period, she met Shigeru Yoshida and was said to have maintained a long-term romantic relationship with him. Following the death of his former wife Yukiko in 1941 (Showa 16), she began living with Yoshida at his private residence in Oiso (now Oiso Shiroyama Park).

In 1944 (Showa 19), she officially married Yoshida, and they became a married couple. Shigeru Yoshida had two sons and three daughters with his first wife Yukiko, but he had no children with Kiyo.

There are no records of her having held any specific political roles or official duties. Additionally, while not widely known, it is believed that she was not significantly involved in her husband’s political activities or public engagements associated with Yoshida’s political career.

After Yoshida Shigeru’s death in the fall of 1967 (Showa 42), Kiyo was repeatedly asked for interviews and recollections but refused to respond in accordance with her husband's wishes.

She passed away in 2003 (Heisei 15). Details regarding her death and records of her funeral have not been publicly released.