With the Women’s Euros soccer tournament set to kick off later this week, we thought it an opportune moment to shine a light on the “Onna-Musha” (Warrior Women) who defied the norms of their time to take up arms and fight in battle alongside male Samurai. As always with our stories and blogs, you can click on any of the images to take a closer look.
The history of the Samurai, (a powerful and influential hereditary warrior class of feudal Japan), is dominated by the stories of men. The Samurai were the backbone of Japan’s military elite and tales of their legendary exploits are well documented and revered.
However, hidden in the shadows of these legendary warriors are the tales of remarkable women, known as Onna-Musha who played crucial roles in Japan’s military history, demonstrating immense courage, discipline and honour. These female warriors are often overlooked in traditional Samurai narratives and in art, women were mostly portrayed through the male-gaze in idyllic or domestic settings as objects of beauty to be admired by men.
A more traditional and idyllic depiction of Japanese women as two noble ladies in elegant robes stand at the edge of a lake on this Satsuma dish by Sozan
Their stories are powerful though and more than deserving of recognition. The term Onna-musha literally translates to “woman warrior” and refers to women who were trained in the arts of war. In ancient Japan, the concept of gender roles was rigid, and the idea of women engaging in combat was considered highly unorthodox. However, during times of war and conflict, certain women of the Samurai class rose to prominence by embracing the skills and responsibilities traditionally reserved for the men.
Although they were less likely to use the Katana (the iconic sword of the Samurai), many female Samurai were proficient with other weapons. The Naginata, a spear-like pole arm weapon with a curved blade, was particularly associated with women. It had a long reach and versatility which made it an ideal weapon for women, who often had to face larger and stronger opponents.
Tomoe Gozen, on horse-back and holding her Naginata
Training in the Naginata and other martial disciplines was often taught in the same schools as that of their male counterparts. Although access to formal education in combat was much more limited for women.
Many women of the Samurai class were initially instructed by male family members such as fathers, brothers, uncles and husbands. These men trained the women in various martial arts to ensure they could defend their homes in times of war while the men were away fighting.
The traditional depiction of the Samurai (as depicted on this dish by Meizan), with male warriors marching into combat
The rise of the female Samurai is most closely associated with periods of instability and military strife in Japan, particularly during the Heian period (794–1185) and the Kamakura period (1185–1333).
During these times, the Samurai class emerged as a powerful military force, and their role in society expanded. Instead of being just fearsome Warriors, they became political figures, landowners, and leaders. Women of the Samurai class were often not just wives and mothers but also key players in maintaining family legacies, defending their homes, and managing estates.
Stories of female samurai were often suppressed or overlooked by history, despite this there are several notable women who achieved renown.
Tomoe Gozen
Perhaps the most famous female Samurai in Japanese history, Tomoe Gozen (12th century) was a warrior who fought during the Genpei War (1180–1185).
Genpei was a pivotal conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Tomoe Gozen was known for her exceptional skill with a bow and sword and for her bravery on the battlefield.
She fought alongside Minamoto no Yoshinakai (who in some stories is her lover or husband) and she became renowned for her fierce combat abilities.
Tomoe Gozen fought valiantly at the Battle of Awazu in 1184, where she is said to have killed several enemy soldiers, including a high-ranking Taira general and the fearsome warrior named Kusunoki Masashige.
A striking depiction of Kusunoki Masashige on a large Okimono pair by Gyoko
She is often depicted as a fierce and striking woman, leading her troops into battle on horseback, her long hair flowing and wielding her Naginata with great skill.
According to historical records, Tomoe Gozen was a skilled strategist, and her presence in battle struck fear into the hearts of her enemies. She became a symbol of martial excellence and unyielding courage, earning her the admiration of both her allies and her enemies.
According to one legend, after she cut down a Taira soldier, her commander, Yoshinaka, praised her by calling her “A warrior equal to ten men.”
Yoshinaka (left) and Tomoe Gozen, both on horse-back
After Yoshinaka’s defeat and death, Tomoe Gozen’s fate remains uncertain—some stories suggest she retired from war, while others claim she continued to fight until her death.
Tomoe Gozen is often cited as one of the most powerful female warriors in history and has inspired many depictions of strong women in combat across different cultures.
Nakano Takeko
Nakano Takeko (1847–1868) was another remarkable female warrior. She was known for her role in the Boshin War (1868), a civil war that ultimately led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule in Japan.
Takeko was a leader of the Jingyu-tai (a female combat unit). They fought for the Aizu domain during the war. She was highly trained in the use of the Naginata and was instrumental in defending her domain’s castle from the imperial forces.
Takeko’s bravery and leadership were celebrated during her lifetime, and her legacy has endured. She died in battle at the young age of 21, but her courage became legendary, inspiring future generations.
Hojo Masako
Although not a warrior in the traditional sense, Hojo Masako (1156–1225) was an influential figure in the samurai class during the Kamakura period.
As the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Masako wielded significant political power. After Yoritomo’s death, Masako played a key role in the governance of Japan as the de facto ruler. She was the daughter of a powerful samurai family and the mother of two Shoguns. Her political acumen and leadership skills were widely respected.
While Masako may not have fought on the front lines, she represented the strength and influence of women in the Samurai world. Her legacy is one of political prowess and the ability to navigate a male-dominated world, a characteristic that many female Samurai had to exhibit in order to survive and thrive in the feudal society.
As Japan entered the Edo period (1603–1868), a time of relative peace under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the role of the Samurai began to change. The country became stable and there was less need for warriors and so the samurai became less engaged with martial pursuits and more focussed on administrative and bureaucratic roles.
During this time, the traditional image of the Samurai became associated solely with men as the participation of women in warfare dwindled.
In addition to the change in the role of the Samurai, the Confucian ideals that dominated Japan during the Edo period emphasized strict gender roles and the subordination of women to men. This shift in societal norms contributed to the marginalization of the female warrior, and the contributions of women in the samurai class became less recognized.
The legacy of the Onna-musha is a reminder that warriors come in many forms, and the fight for honour and justice is not limited to any single gender. Their stories are important not only for their historical significance but also for their role in empowering future generations to break boundaries and defy the norms that seek to limit their potential.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you are interested in the Samurai, you may find our blog Weapons of the Warriors of interest. In fact, you will find over 100 stories and blog-posts inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by Clicking Here.