Chizuko is a feminine Japanese given name. The name is typically written with the kanji characters 千 (chi, meaning 'thousand'), 鶴 (tsu, meaning 'crane'), and 子 (ko, meaning 'child'), together forms 千鶴子. The crane (tsuru) is a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture, while the 'thousand' may imply abundance. However, the name can also use alternative kanji compounds such as 千寿子 (with 寿, 'longevity'), and other variations that maintain the reading 'Chizuko'. Like many Japanese names, context often determines the exact characters.## Notable BearersSeveral historical and contemporary figures bear this name. Chizuko Mifune (1886–1911) was a famous clairvoyant who captured public attention due to her claimed psychic abilities. Chizuko Ueno (born 1948) is a prominent Japanese sociologist and feminist, known for her work in gender studies. Chizuko Takahashi (born 1959) is a Japanese politician affiliated with the Japanese Communist Party. Other notable individuals include voice actress Chizuko Hoshino (born 1970), sushi chef Chizuko Kimura (born 1970), and athlete Chizuko Tanaka (born 1939 or 1940). In pop culture, the name appears in the manga/anime Chizuko's Younger Sister, featuring the character Chizuko Katao.## NotationThe standard Chinese character compounds—千鶴子 or 千寿子—align with Japan's established naming conventions that combine numeral, symbol, and the common feminine suffix ko (meaning 'child'). This suffix was historically reserved for daughters of higher-status families but later became widespread.Meaning: 'thousand' + 'crane' + 'child' and other combosOrigin: JapaneseType: Feminine given nameUsage region: Japan