People call Uryu Iwako the Japanese Nightingale, or the mother of social work.  In 1868, she helped injured soldiers and orphans during the Boshin War.

    In 1871, Uryu went to Tokyo and learned how to help people.  In 1886, she returned to Fukushima, and built a home for orphans in Fukushima City.  In 1893, she and her supporters built a free hospital in Aizuwakamatsu.  She worked to promote education for girls and women, too.  In 1896, she became the first woman to receive a Medal of Honor with a Blue Ribbon.  There are statues of her in Kitakata, Fukushima, and Tokyo.