Chieko Utsumi ('28)

Miss Chieko Utsumi attended Wellesley College for three years and graduated with the Class of 1928. She was heavily involved in the study of physical education. Before coming to Wellesley, she graduated from the Women's Christian College in Tokyo.

On April 27, 1931, Wellesley College hosted Prince and Princess Takamatsu of the Japanese royal family. Utsumi was involved in the event, and presented the princess with a bouquet.

Studies at Wellesley: Specialized in Physical Education in Wellesley's Hygiene Department

After Wellesley...

Taught physical education and training at Tokyo Women's College until her retirement
Was the director of Physical and Education and Recreation at Tokyo Women's College
Visited the U.S. after the war to study developments in physical education
Awarded The Fourth Class of the Order of the Precious Crown in 1976 by the Emperor of Japan for her contribution to women’s physical education in Japan

Utsumi (top right), with fellow Wellesley alumnae Uramatsu, Maki '24, Tanaka '26, Horton, Uemura '15, and Kasuya '23 at the first meeting of the Tokyo Wellesley Club following the end of the war.

A Japanese newspaper article featuring Utsumi and her efforts to establish health and physical education programs.