Japan Women's University (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoko Shinohara) announced that the call for entries for the 20th "Raicho Hiratsuka Award" will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Provided by Otsuki Shoten This award was established in 2005 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university graduation of Raicho Hiratsuka (3rd-year student at Japan Women's University) , a thinker and writer who studied at Japan Women's University, the predecessor of the current institution. "In the beginning, woman was the sun. She was a true human being." This opening line from Hiratsuka's essay in "Seito," Japan's first literary magazine by and for women, marked the origin of the women's liberation movement. Raicho Hiratsuka continued to influence society as an opinion leader, contributing to modern Japan through her advocacy for women's political rights and peace movements. This award recognizes research and activities related to the realization of a gender-equal society and world peace through women's liberation, aiming to pass on Raicho Hiratsuka's legacy to younger generations. ["Raicho Hiratsuka Award" Call for Entries Overview] 1. Eligibility Individuals or organizations conducting research or activities in one of the following areas are eligible. Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted. 1 Research on Raicho Hiratsuka 2 Realization of a gender-equal society 3 Research and activities related to world peace through women's liberation 2. Award Name and Prize Money (1) Raicho Hiratsuka Award (Commemorative) - 1 recipient Recognition for achievements in research or activities conducted to date. Prize money (200,000 yen per individual or organization) (2) Raicho Hiratsuka Award (Encouragement) - 2 recipients Encouragement for plans with potential for future development in research or activities. Research/activity grant (100,000 yen per individual or organization) 3. Application Qualifications Individuals and organizations are welcome (self-nominations and