Claim: Akimoto Matsuyo was diagnosed with cancer in third grade, but was able to go to school for many more years than required.
Evidence: In addition, to her father's death at a young age she was diagnosed with pleurisy when she was in the third grade. Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity (pleurae). Due to Akimoto's fatigue from her illness and her family's belief in traditional gender roles, the family did not see the need for Akimoto to extend her education, so she attended public school for the minimum required years. For many years of her childhood, Akimoto was home schooled with the help of her two older brothers.