Known as onna bugeisha, these female samurai who fought beside and against male samurais are an important part of Japan’s military history.
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.
They also have an important presence in Japanese literature, with Tomoe Gozen and Hangaku Gozen as famous and influential examples representing onna-musha.
Women warriors were not a rarity in feudal japan. The onna-musha lived within a warring culture and with traditions of acquiring indispensable skills in martial arts, archery, and horse riding.