Hirooka Asako

Hirooka Asako (1849-1919) was a wealthy Japanese woman who lived during the Meiji era. She dedicated herself to improving the lives of coal miners, who faced constant danger and lacked financial security.

Determined to protect these vulnerable workers, Asako used her influence to persuade three major insurance companies to collaborate. By breaking off small portions of their businesses, she helped create a new company that provided insurance for small and medium enterprises, ensuring miners and their families had support in case of disaster or injury.