ONNA MUSHA PART 1

A two-part special article on Japanese Women Warriors

Written by Sumiko Nakano

In the annals of Japanese history, the samurai occupy a storied place, embodying the virtues of bushido the way of the warrior. Yet, alongside these celebrated male warriors, there existed a cadre of female counterparts known as onna-bugeisha and onna-musha. These women, skilled in the arts of war and bound by the same codes of honor and duty as their male peers, carved their own niches within the feudal society of Japan. "Onna-bugeisha" refers specifically to women of the samurai class who engaged in battle, often wielding the naginata, a polearm that became closely associated with female warriors for its effectiveness and relative ease of use. The term "onna-musha" encompasses a broader category, referring to women warriors who actively participated in warfare across various periods of Japanese history.

One of the most emblematic figures among these female warriors is Nakano Takeko Fighting during the Boshin War a civil conflict that heralded the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule Nakano Takeko distinguished herself as a formidable onnamusha. Leading a corps of female fighters known as the Joshitai at the Battle of Aizu, she became a paragon of courage and martial prowess, her legacy enduring as a beacon of female strength and valor in a predominantly male domain.

The story of Nakano Takeko, a symbol of female bravery and martial prowess, finds a contemporary resonance in Sumiko Nakano, who shares the same bloodline and is a four-times-removed cousin of Takeko.

Sumiko Nakano, both a mixed martial artist and a writer, leverages this profound connection to her heritage to inspire her endeavors in the realm of physical combat and creative expression. The shared lineage with Nakano Takeko acts as a significant influence on Sumiko's career, imbuing her approach to martial arts with a sense of purpose and strength that harks back to the onna-musha tradition. Known for her skill, determination, and dubbed "The Silent Lioness" in the fighting world, Sumiko's narrative explorations also delve into themes of struggle, resilience, and the indomitable spirit to overcome challenges, reflecting the honor and courage epitomized by her ancestor.

This introduction to the world of onnamusha and onna-bugeisha, through the lens of Nakano Takeko's storied past and Sumiko Nakano's contemporary journey, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the roles these women played in shaping the martial and cultural landscapes of Japan. Their stories, spanning the divide between history and modernity, offer a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of female warriors and the timeless nature of the warrior ethos.

The role of women in ancient and feudal Japan was complex and multifaceted, defined by a confluence of social norms, economic functions, and the prevailing ideologies of the time. While the image of Japan is often dominated by male warriors and their exploits, women held significant roles both in combat and society. These roles evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing needs and structures of Japanese society.

In the earliest periods, such as the Jomon (c. 14,000–300 BCE) and Yayoi (c. 300 BCE–300 CE) eras, Japanese society was relatively egalitarian, with women participating actively in the management of communities and resources. As Japan moved into the Kofun (c. 250–538) and Asuka (538–710) periods, the influence of Chinese Confucianism began to permeate Japanese society, introducing more patriarchal structures. Despite this, women in early historical records, like the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki, are often depicted as possessing considerable influence and power, both mystical and political

The term "onna-bugeisha" refers to women who were trained in the use of weapons to protect their households, especially in times of war. These female warriors emerged more prominently during the Heian period (794–1185), a time characterized by the rise of the samurai class and the gradual militarization of Japanese society. Onna-bugeisha were part of the bushi (samurai) class, and their training was similar to that of male samurai, emphasizing martial skills, discipline, and the ethics of bushido.

The most iconic weapon of the onna-bugeisha was the naginata, a long polearm with a curved blade at the end. The naginata's design made it an ideal weapon for women, as it allowed for reach and leverage, compensating for the difference in physical strength compared to male opponents Additionally, the art of wielding the naginata included techniques that could be used defensively within the home, making it both a practical and symbolic tool of protection.

Training for onna-bugeisha began in childhood, focusing not only on martial arts but also on strategy, management, and the cultural arts. Women were expected to be capable defenders of their homes and families, especially during periods when male family members were away at war. Their roles extended beyond the battlefield; in times of peace, onna-bugeisha were influential in managing estates and engaging in political alliances through marriage.

In addition to the naginata, onna-bugeisha were skilled in archery, swordsmanship, and horseback riding, making them versatile and formidable warriors. Their participation in battles, while not as common as their male counterparts, was documented throughout Japanese history, with instances of female samurai leading men into battle or defending fortresses against sieges.

The recognition and honor accorded to onna-bugeisha varied by period and region In some cases, their contributions were celebrated and memorialized, while in others, their roles were downplayed or overlooked in historical records. The legacy of onna-bugeisha is a testament to their resilience and the critical roles women have played throughout Japan's history, challenging the notion of a strictly patriarchal society, and highlighting the diverse ways in which women have influenced the course of Japanese history.

This exploration into the historical context of onna-bugeisha sheds light on their significance, not only as warriors but as integral figures in the social, political, and cultural landscapes of feudal Japan Their legacy, exemplified by individuals such as Nakano Takeko, continues to inspire and inform contemporary understandings of gender, power, and valor.

Nakano Takeko stands as one of the most celebrated onna-musha in Japanese history, her life and actions during the Aizu Rebellion encapsulating the spirit and valor of the female warrior class.

Born in 1847 in Edo (now Tokyo), Takeko was the daughter of a samurai official of the Aizu domain. From a young age, she was trained in the martial arts, demonstrating exceptional skill in kenjutsu (the art of the sword) and in the use of the naginata, a weapon that would become synonymous with her legacy.

Under the tutelage of her father and other skilled martial artists, Takeko's training was rigorous and comprehensive. She was not only versed in the physical aspects of combat but was also educated in classical literature and the philosophies underpinning the way of the warrior. Her upbringing in the Aizu domain, known for its strong samurai traditions and its emphasis on martial valor and loyalty, shaped Takeko into a formidable warrior, deeply committed to the ideals of bushido.

This exploration into the historical context of onna-bugeisha sheds light on their significance, not only as warriors but as integral figures in the social, political, and cultural landscapes of feudal Japan. Their legacy, exemplified by individuals such as Nakano Takeko, continues to inspire and inform contemporary understandings of gender, power, and valor.

Nakano Takeko stands as one of the most celebrated onna-musha in Japanese history, her life and actions during the Aizu Rebellion encapsulating the spirit and valor of the female warrior class. Born in 1847 in Edo (now Tokyo), Takeko was the daughter of a samurai official of the Aizu domain. From a young age, she was trained in the martial arts, demonstrating exceptional skill in kenjutsu (the art of the sword) and in the use of the naginata, a weapon that would become synonymous with her legacy.

Under the tutelage of her father and other skilled martial artists, Takeko's training was rigorous and comprehensive She was not only versed in the physical aspects of combat but was also educated in classical literature and the philosophies underpinning the way of the warrior.

Her upbringing in the Aizu domain, known for its strong samurai traditions and its emphasis on martial valor and loyalty, shaped Takeko into a formidable warrior, deeply committed to the ideals of bushido.

The Boshin War (1868–1869) was a pivotal civil conflict in Japanese history, marking the transition from the Tokugawa shogunate to the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. The Aizu domain, where Takeko's family was aligned, remained loyal to the shogunate, finding itself at odds with the imperial forces seeking to consolidate power under the emperor.

As the war reached the Aizu domain, Takeko found herself in the midst of a struggle that would define her legacy. Refusing to be sidelined in the conflict, she rallied other women and formed the Joshitai, a unit of female warriors determined to defend their land and honor.

In a time when women's participation in battle was notable but not widespread, Takeko and her corps of onna-musha represented a fierce assertion of female agency and martial prowess.

The Battle of Aizu (1868) was one of the last major engagements of the Boshin War, with the Aizu domain making a stand against the superior numbers and firepower of the imperial forces. Takeko led her unit with distinction, fighting valiantly in the face of overwhelming odds. According to accounts, she killed several enemy soldiers before succumbing to a fatal bullet wound. In her final moments, she entrusted her head to her sister, ensuring it would not be taken by the enemy as a trophy, a testament to her unwavering dignity and samurai spirit

2 Continues in the next issue July 2024

About the Author

Known in the MMA community as the "Silent Lioness," Sumiko's foray into martial arts was driven by a passion that transcended the need for spoken words. Mastering disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing, she began her journey as an amateur fighter, quickly distinguishing herself with her silent determination and formidable prowess.