Item Description This is the upper volume (Joukan) of "Nihon Joshi Risshihen" (Inspirational Stories of Japanese Women), authored by Higashi Kan'ichi and published by Hakubunkan in April of Meiji 35 (1902). This educational work was part of the influential "Risshihen" (Self-Help) genre that emerged during the Meiji era, specifically tailored to inspire and educate women about moral virtues and exemplary female figures in Japanese history. The book features numerous illustrations and photographs that depict notable women and their achievements, serving as a visual complement to the biographical narratives. Published during a transformative period in Japanese women's education and social status, this volume represents an important cultural artifact from the Meiji period, when Western educational ideas were being adapted to Japanese cultural contexts. As the upper volume of a two-part series, this book likely focuses on the foundational stories and earlier historical figures, presenting inspiring biographies of Japanese women who exemplified virtues such as loyalty, wisdom, courage, and dedication. The work by Higashi Kan'ichi, an influential educator and author of the Meiji era, was widely distributed and used as supplementary educational material during a time when women's education was rapidly expanding in Japan. This volume retains its original binding and presents a fascinating glimpse into the pedagogical approaches used to shape women's consciousness during Japan's modernization period, particularly the "good wife, wise mother" (ryosai kenbo) educational philosophy prevalent at the time. Size Height: 22.5 cm Width: 15 cm Depth: 2 cm Weight 442 g Condition The book shows signs of age-appropriate wear with multiple creases and tears throughout the pages, consistent with a book over 120 years old. Artist Profile Higashi Kan'ichi (dates uncertain, active during Meiji era - died 1930) was a prominent Japanese educator and author during the Meiji period. He specialized in creating educational and moral instruction texts, including various volumes of the "Risshihen" series, which aimed to provide Japanese readers with inspiring biographical accounts. His works, including "Nihon Risshihen" and "Nihon Joshi Risshihen," were published by major publishers such as Hakubunkan and were widely used in educational settings. Higashi's contribution to Meiji-era pedagogy was significant, particularly in adapting Western concepts of self-improvement and moral education to Japanese cultural contexts. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.