Both women acted for a long period as rulers of their respective domains, even though they were not considered heirs. There were many noblewomen with great political influence in their clans, even to the extent they became de facto leaders.Īn acceptable example of women who became known as “onna daimyō” (female lords) are Jukei-ni and Toshoin. Ii Naotora took over the clan leadership after the death of all men of the Ii family her efforts as a leader made her clan independent, and she became a daimyō. Although most women knew about politics, martial arts, and diplomacy, they were not allowed to succeed clan leadership. Japanese women were educated solely to become wives and mothers. The actions of Ōhōri Tsuruhime earned her the title of “Joan of Arc of Japan”, and established her as one of the most recognizable female warriors in Japanese history. A journal record of “predominately female cavalry” is noted by Chancellor Toin Kinkata, who stated they, “originated in western Japan…which suggests that women from the west were most likely to serve in battle,” away from the capital cities.ĭuring the Sengoku period there are several accounts of women fighting actively on the battlefield, such as the cases of Myōrin, who inspired the people to fight against 3,000 Shimazu soldiers.Īnother account is that of Kaihime, who fought against the Toyotomi clan in the siege of Oshi (1590), Onamihime, who became the representative leader of the Nikaidō clan and fought in various battles against her nephew Date Masamune, and Akai Teruko, who became famous for fighting until she was 76 years old and became known as “The Strongest Woman in the Warring States Period”. The painting titled Boki ekotoba, dated to 1351, depicted a woman in armor, armed with naginata and bow. “Sengoku battles often took the form of sieges wherein the entire family would fight to defend the castle” so it was necessary to be able to defend your family, children, and yourself.

The onna-musha lived within a warring culture and with traditions of acquiring indispensable skills in martial arts, archery, and horse riding.

Women warriors were not a rarity in feudal japan.

They also have an important presence in Japanese literature, with Tomoe Gozen and Hangaku Gozen as famous and influential examples representing onna-musha. They were members of the bushi (warrior) class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honor in times of war. Known as onna bugeisha, these female samurai who fought beside and against male samurais are an important part of Japan’s military history. Vintage photos of female samurai warriors posing with their katana swords, 1850-1900

Samurai katana combat images