When discussing Japanese culture, the legend of the samurai always stands out as a captivating point of interest for many. However, few realize that in addition to male samurai warriors, there were also a significant number of female samurai warriors in ancient Japanese society.
During the feudal era, the “bushi” (warrior) class in Japan was regarded as one of the noble classes. They were trained to wield a weapon known as the naginata, a long staff with a curved blade at the end, specifically designed to help women maintain better balance.
From the 12th to the 19th centuries, women of the warrior class were taught the art of combat and how to use the naginata, primarily for self-defense and to protect their families during conflicts. Empress Jingu is recognized as the first female samurai and also served as a regent governing Japan after her husband’s passing.
Despite being strong women who achieved numerous victories in battle, the alluring beauty of these female warriors continues to captivate audiences today.
