Ginko Ogino: Japan’s First Female Doctor

Ginko Ogino was the first licensed female physician to practice Western medicine in Japan. After overcoming personal hardship and systemic gender bias, she earned her medical license in 1885, breaking barriers in the Meiji era. Her legacy as a feminist and pioneer is preserved at her grave and statue within Tokyo’s historic Zoshigaya Cemetery.

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Stone statue of Ginko Ogino at her grave in a Japanese cemetery, surrounded by headstones and lush greenery.

Ginko Ogino (荻野吟子), a name that resonates with courage and perseverance, stands as one of Japan’s foremost medical and feminist pioneers. While her name may not be widely known, her life was a testament to the trials and tribulations she overcame to pave the way for women in medicine. This is the story of a woman who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on Japanese history, now resting in the serene Zoshigaya Cemetery.

Close-up of a green cemetery sign for Ginko Ogino, identifying her as a doctor with the number 17. — *Ginko’s grave marker*

Ginko Ogino’s life was forged in adversity

Born on March 3, 1851, in what is now Saitama Prefecture, Ginko Ogino’s early life was hard. At the tender age of sixteen, she entered into an arranged marriage that altered the course of her life. Her husband infected her with gonorrhea, a deeply shameful affliction in that era, which ultimately led to their divorce. The painful experience of being treated by male doctors for a “shameful” disease ignited in her a determination to help other women facing similar circumstances. This personal ordeal became the crucible in which her ambition to become a doctor was forged.

Traditional Japanese family grave for Ginko Ogino, featuring a tall stone monument with dried flower offerings.

Breaking barriers in medicine

In a society where medicine was a field dominated by men, Ginko’s path was fraught with obstacles. After graduating from the Tokyo Women’s Normal School, she faced an uphill battle to even sit for the physician’s examination. Yet, through unwavering resolve, she persevered. In 1885, she made history by becoming the first licensed female physician to practice Western medicine in Japan.

Close-up detail of Ginko Ogino's stone statue, showing her hands holding a hat against a soft cemetery background.

Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she opened the Ogino Hospital in Yushima. It provided a safe and understanding space for her female patients. Her pioneering spirit not only shattered the glass ceiling for women in medicine but also inspired future generations to follow in her footsteps.

Her life took another turn in 1890 when she remarried a Protestant clergyman, Yukiyoshi Shikata. In 1894, she moved with him to Hokkaido, where she continued her medical practice. Following her husband’s death, she returned to Tokyo in 1908 to resume charge of her hospital. Ginko Ogino passed away in 1913 and was laid to rest in Zoshigaya Cemetery.

Weathered stone headstone for Ginko Ogino with vertical Japanese engraving and small flower offerings in a cemetery.

Ginkgo’s grave has a lifelike statue depicting her as young and in Western attire. Often adorned with fresh flowers, it serves as a tribute to a woman who remains a giant of Japanese history.

A serene final resting place: Zoshigaya Cemetery

Ginko Ogino’s grave is in the peaceful and verdant Zoshigaya Cemetery, an oasis of tranquility near the metropolis of Ikebukuro. It’s the final resting place for many notable figures, making it a unique destination for those interested in Japanese history. Among those buried here are the writers Natsume Sōseki and Lafcadio Hearn.

Finding her grave

Navigating the maze-like paths of Zoshigaya Cemetery can be a challenge, with its varied grave sizes and abundant trees. While the official plot number for Ginko Ogino’s grave is 1-1-5-23, this can be difficult to use on its own.

Vertical stone monument with Japanese engraving at Ginko Ogino's grave site, surrounded by rocks and green leaves.

For a much simpler way to find her, pick up a map at the cemetery’s administration building. On this map, her grave is marked as number 17. This will guide you to the correct area. Once you are close, her distinctive statue, depicting a young Ginko in Western clothes, serves as an excellent landmark to pinpoint the exact location. To learn more about Tokyo’s graveyards and how to find tombs in them, read [The Photographer’s Guide to Tokyo’s Historic Cemeteries].