Last updated: October 2025 (JST)
When most people imagine a samurai, they picture a male warrior clad in armor. Yet throughout Japanese history, women of the samurai class also took up arms to protect their families, their homes, and their honor. These women were known as Onna-Bugeisha (female martial artists), and they played a critical but often overlooked role in samurai society.
Table of Contents
- Who Were the Onna-Bugeisha?
- Famous Female Samurai Warriors
- Weapons and Training
- Symbolism in Samurai Society
- Legacy and Modern Influence
- Where to Learn and Experience Samurai Women in Tokyo
- Conclusion
Who Were the Onna-Bugeisha?
Onna-Bugeisha were women of the samurai class who trained in martial arts and sometimes fought in battles. They embodied loyalty, discipline, and courage, defending their households and clan honor.
Famous Female Samurai Warriors
Early Appearances in History
Tomoe Gozen fought in the Genpei War (late 12th century) and became a legendary figure for her beauty and unmatched martial skills.
Warriors of the Sengoku Period
Nakano Takeko led a unit of women during the Boshin War (1868), fighting with naginata until her heroic death. She is remembered as a symbol of devotion and bravery.
Weapons and Training
The Naginata: Symbol of the Female Warrior
The naginata, a pole weapon with a curved blade, was the traditional weapon of women in the samurai class. Its reach gave them an advantage, and many trained extensively in its use. Today, naginata-dō survives as a martial art.
Training for Household Defense
Women trained to defend their homes and families during times of war or invasion, often becoming the last line of defense in their communities.
Symbolism in Samurai Society
Onna-Bugeisha symbolized more than just martial ability. They were guardians of family honor, embodying both strength and grace. Their dual roles—warriors and caretakers—highlighted the complexity of women’s roles in samurai society.
Legacy and Modern Influence
Literature and Arts
Figures like Tomoe Gozen and Nakano Takeko appear in plays, novels, and films, symbolizing feminine strength and valor across centuries.
Symbols of Empowerment
Today, Onna-Bugeisha are celebrated as icons of empowerment, blending elegance and power—an image that resonates strongly with modern audiences.
Where to Learn and Experience Samurai Women in Tokyo
Museums and Exhibitions
Tokyo National Museum and other institutions occasionally feature displays connected to women in samurai history, providing cultural context and insights.
Samurai Experience in Harajuku – Open to Women Too
At the SAMURAI EXPERIENCE in Harajuku, both men and women can learn sword techniques and etiquette. Unlike armor photo rentals, this program focuses on movement, discipline, and cultural immersion. Many female travelers find it empowering to embody the warrior spirit of Onna-Bugeisha in this hands-on way.
Conclusion
The Onna-Bugeisha prove that the samurai spirit was not limited to men. Women warriors defended their families and clans with bravery, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. Today in Tokyo, you can explore this heritage at museums and step into the warrior’s role yourself—whether male or female.
