Sonoda Tenkoko

Quick Facts: Who was Sonoda Tenkoko?

Subject:

Sonoda Tenkoko

Known for:

Japanese politician known for her time in the Diet and pioneering motherhood in office.

Born:

1919-01-23

Died:

2015-01-29

Century / Era:

1919s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Tenkōkō Sonoda (園田 天光光, Sonoda Tenkōkō; 23 January 1919 – 29 January 2015) was a Japanese politician who was a member of the Japanese Diet from 1946–1952. In 1950, she became the first woman in Japanese political history to have a baby while in office. Sonoda was born in Tokyo on 23 January 1919.

Career & Major Achievements

Tenkoko Sonoda was the widow of Minister for Foreign Affairs Sunao Sonoda. She was the step-mother to Hiroyuki Sonoda. She was a socialist at first, and belonged to the Japan Socialist Party (the Social Democratic Party Japan; SDPJ) and the Workers and Farmers Party (Maoism) in the Diet, but changed her opinion by herself to be conservative after her marriage to Sunao.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She was a member of the representative committee of the openly revisionist lobby Nippon Kaigi, to which her son-in-law Hiroyuki is also affiliated. Sonoda died on 29 January 2015 at the age of 96.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1919 (1919-01-23): Birth of Sonoda Tenkoko — Japanese politician known for her time in the Diet and pioneering motherhood in office.
2. 1950: 1950 Milestone — In 1950, she became the first woman in Japanese political history to have a baby while in office.
3. 2015 (2015-01-29): Passing & Historical Legacy — Sonoda Tenkoko passed away on 2015-01-29, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sonoda Tenkoko

True or False: “Sonoda Tenkoko was a socialist throughout her entire political life, never changing her views.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): She initially held socialist views but reportedly changed her opinions to become conservative after marrying Sunao Sonoda.

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• 1919 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1919
• January 23 (01-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 23
• 2015 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2015
• January 29 (01-29) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 29

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonoda Tenkoko