Chika Kuroda

Chika Kuroda (1884-1968) was a Japanese chemist and the first Japanese woman to earn a bachelor's degree in science, graduating in chemistry from Tohoku Imperial University in 1916 after the university first opened its doors to women students, and later the second Japanese woman to earn a doctorate in science, in 1929. Her research determined the molecular structure of several natural plant pigments, most notably the purple anthocyanin pigment found in the Asian dayflower, work that contributed to the broader chemical understanding of plant pigment compounds. She spent much of her career at Ochanomizu University, where she continued research in organic chemistry and mentored other Japanese women pursuing careers in science at a time when such opportunities remained limited.