Tenkoko Sonoda facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tenkoko Sonoda
Sonoda in 1949
Member of the House of Representatives
In office 1946–1947
Constituency	Tokyo 2nd district
In office 1947–1952
Constituency	Tokyo 7th district
Personal details
Born	23 January 1919 Tokyo, Japan
Died	29 January 2015(2015-01-29) (aged 96) Tokyo, Japan

Tenkōkō Sonoda (園田 天光光, Sonoda Tenkōkō, 23 January 1919 – 29 January 2015) was an important Japanese politician. She was a member of Japan's parliament, called the Diet, from 1946 to 1952. She made history in 1950 by becoming the first woman in Japanese politics to have a baby while serving in office.

Tenkoko Sonoda: A Pioneer Politician

Early Life and Political Journey

Tenkoko Sonoda was born in Tokyo, Japan, on January 23, 1919. She grew up in a changing Japan.

She started her political career as a socialist. This means she believed in ideas that focused on fairness and helping all people in society. She was part of the Japan Socialist Party and later the Workers and Farmers Party.

A Special Milestone

In 1950, Tenkoko Sonoda achieved something truly special. She became the very first woman in Japan's political history to have a baby while she was still a member of the Diet. This was a big step for women in politics and showed that women could balance family life with important public roles.

Family and Later Views

Tenkoko Sonoda was married to Sunao Sonoda, who was a Minister for Foreign Affairs. After her marriage, her political views changed. She moved from being a socialist to having more conservative ideas. Conservative views often focus on traditional values and individual responsibility.

She was also connected to a group called Nippon Kaigi. This group is interested in discussing Japanese history and culture. Her step-son, Hiroyuki Sonoda, was also involved with this group.

Passing Away

Tenkoko Sonoda passed away on January 29, 2015, in Tokyo. She was 96 years old. She is remembered as a pioneering woman in Japanese politics.