One Of The Onna-Bugeisha, Female Samurai Warrior Of The Upper Bushi (Samurai), Class In Feudal Japan

OnnaBugeisha were women who engaged in battle alongside samurai men. They were members of the bushi (samurai) class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honor in times of war. Significant icons of the onnabugeisha are women such as Tomoe Gozen, Nakano Takeko, and Hōjō Masako. There were also Besshikime (別式女, lit. "other-style women"), female guards of the harems and residences of the wives and concubines of Daimyo and clan leaders.

The most popular weapon-of-choice of onna-musha is the naginata, which is a versatile, conventional polearm with a curved blade at the tip. The weapon is mainly favored for its length, which can compensate for the strength and body size advantage of male opponents.

The naginata has a niche between the katana and the yari, which is rather effective in close-quarter melee when the opponent is kept at bay and is also relatively efficient against cavalry.

Through its use by many legendary samurai women, the naginata has been propelled as the iconic image of a woman warrior. During the Edo period, many schools focusing on the use of the naginata were created and perpetuated its association with women.

Mostly, their primary purpose was to safeguard their homes from marauders. Emphasis was laid on ranged weapons to be shot from defensive structures.