Onna-musha

Onna-musha (女武者) is a term referring to female warriors in pre-modern Japan, who were members of the bushi (warrior) class. They were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honour in times of war; many of them fought in battle alongside samurai men. These women showed great courage and skill, and their stories have inspired many people over the centuries.

Onna-musha also have an important presence in Japanese literature, showing up in tales and poems. Two famous examples are Tomoe Gozen and Hangaku Gozen. Their legends include brave deeds in battle and loyalty to their families and lords, making them important figures in Japanese history and culture. Their stories help us understand the strong and respected roles that women could play in ancient Japan.

Kamakura period

The Genpei War (1180–1185) was a conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans. During this time, female warriors known as onna-musha fought bravely. One famous example is Tomoe Gozen, who served Minamoto no Yoshinaka. She was known for her skill with a bow and sword and often led battles for Yoshinaka.

Another well-known female warrior from this period is Hangaku Gozen, who fought for the Taira clan. Some records mention women forming cavalry units, especially in western areas of Japan, showing that women played important roles in these ancient wars.

Sengoku period

During the Ashikaga Shogunate, tensions led to war in Japan. Hino Tomiko, the wife of a shōgun, sought support to rule until her son was born, which started the Ōnin War and began the Sengoku period.

In this time, many women took part in battles. Some led troops, defended castles, or fought alongside armies. Famous examples include Kaihime, who fought against the Toyotomi clan, and Akai Teruko, known for her strength in battle. Women also formed their own combat units, such as Ikeda Sen, who led a group of female musketeers in important battles.

Edo period and beyond

During the Edo period (1600–1868), the role of female warriors, known as onna-musha, changed greatly due to new ideas brought by Edo neo-Confucianism. Their duties shifted from fighting to focusing more on home life, while men took on roles as bureaucrats or police. Travel was difficult for these women, as they needed to be accompanied by a man and carry special permits.

Even with these changes, some women continued to train as fighters. For example, Sasaki Rui and Nakazawa Koto became well-known for their skill with swords. Later, during the Battle of Aizu in the Boshin War in 1868, Nakano Takeko led a group of women called the Jōshitai (Girls' Army) to defend against a large government army. She and her fellow fighters showed great bravery in protecting their home. Other women, such as Yamamoto Yaeko, also helped defend their castle and later worked toward women's rights in Japan.

Weapons

The most popular weapon for onna-musha was the naginata, a long polearm with a curved blade. It was favored for its reach, helping them defend against larger opponents. The naginata was useful in close combat and against cavalry, and became a symbol of female warriors in Japan.

Besides the naginata, onna-musha also used ranged weapons to protect their homes from attackers, often shooting from defensive positions.

Legacy

The story of onna-musha continues to inspire many people today. They appear in martial arts, historical novels, books, and popular culture, often seen as strong examples of Japanese women in movies, animations, and TV shows. In the West, interest grew with the documentary Samurai Warrior Queens on the Smithsonian Channel.

Famous onna-musha like Tomoe Gozen and Nakano Takeko have influenced martial arts schools and are honored in festivals. For example, during the Aizu Autumn Festival, young girls dress in special clothes to remember Nakano and the Girls' Army. Other women warriors, such as Ii Naotora and Tachibana Ginchiyo, are celebrated in festivals in Hamamatsu and Yanagawa. Their legacy lives on in many stories and traditions across Japan.

Main articles: Naotora: The Lady Warlord, Yae no Sakura, Yoshitsune

Famous onna-musha

Some famous onna-musha were known for their bravery and important roles in history. Empress Jingū was a legendary leader who played a part in key events and myths. Tomoe Gozen became famous through stories in The Tale of the Heike, inspiring many samurai for generations.

Nakano Takeko led a group of women called the Jōshitai during the Boshin war, making her one of the last samurai leaders. Niijima Yae fought in wars, helped care for soldiers, and later worked for women's rights. Yodo-dono governed a castle and guided important political actions, even challenging powerful enemies during the Siege of Osaka.