Category: Women Warriors

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Sei Shōnagon

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Throughout Japanese history, powerful women have been at the centre of the culture, constantly defying the odds and carving out a name to be remembered. From Tomoe Gozen to Masami Odate, Japanese women have picked up swords and thrown themselves into fights on their personal journeys to define who they are. 

Not every woman has needed to pick up a weapon. In the case of Sei Shōnagon, she created a legacy by picking up the pen. A writer, philosopher and courtly woman of intrigue, Shōnagon’s story is a fascinating tale of how to appreciate the small things in life.

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Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Masami Odate

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Japanese history is filled with stories of onna-bugeisha and kunoichi, proud warriors who fought for what they believed in and those stories continue to repeat themselves in the modern day. 

Wrestling is a medium where many Japanese women are leaving their mark, redefining the industry and kicking down doors. A woman at the forefront of this movement is Masami Odate, better known by her ring name Io Shirai.

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Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Mochizuki Chiyome

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Women Warriors puts the focus on inspirational and legendary Japanese women who’ve left their mark on history. The original female warriors of Japanese culture were the onna-bugeisha and their more secretive cousins, the kunoichi. The latter were female ninjas who earned a fearsome reputation as spies and assassins, striking from the shadows.

All kunoichi traced their history back to the story of Mochizuki Chiyome. The founder of the order, Chiyome is a figure shrouded in mystery and legend.

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Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Kaori Housako

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In Japan, the role of women has varied greatly across the ages. From master sake makers to fierce fighters, many Japanese women have carved out lasting legacies across multiple fields. This includes the world of wrestling and one of most successful Japanese women wrestlers of the modern era is Kaori Housako, better known by her ring name Kairi Sane.

Starting from an acting background, Housako translated her love of theatre into the realm of sports entertainment. It put her on the path to joining the ranks of other influential Japanese women wrestlers like Meiko Satomura and Dash Chisako. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Kaori Housako” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Miho Imada

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Women Warriors is a series that shines a light on Japanese women who have broken down barriers by following their passion or through sheer force of will. From ancient battle masters like Nakano Takeko, to modern day fighters like Kanako Urai, there are so many Japanese women who deserve to be recognised.

Miho Imada deserves to be on the list as well for her contribution to the world of sake and her journey to becoming one of Japan’s most successful toji (master brewers). Continue reading “Women Warriors: Miho Imada” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Kanako Urai

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Throughout Japan’s history, there has been many women who have gone against tradition. Some of the most famous names include the likes of Nakano Takeko, Empress Jingu and Tomoe Gozen. These warriors have laid the groundwork for modern Japanese women to leave their mark on the world.

A woman who has followed in their footsteps is Kanako Urai. Better known by her wrestling names, Kana and Asuka, Urai is one of the most gifted athletes on the planet. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Kanako Urai” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Dash Chisako

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Women Warriors highlights the stories of Japanese women who live inspiring lives. The professional wrestling industry has provided a launch pad for many Japanese women who have wanted to lead a fulfilling career.  And one of the most talented Japanese wrestlers of the modern era is Chisako Jumonji, AKA Dash Chisako. Having built a reputation on the indie wrestling scene as a hardcore specialist, Dash has captured the imagination of wrestling fans around the world. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Dash Chisako” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Meiko Satomura

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Japanese history contains many examples of inspirational women who forged a legacy. Onna-bugeisha like Tomoe Gozen and Nakano Takeko led the way for modern Japanese women to break the mold and make a name for themselves. The wrestling industry is the perfect place for seeing contemporary onna-bugeisha in action, and one of the most decorated modern Japanese women warriors is Meiko Satomura.

With a wrestling career that has spanned over twenty years, Satomura has not only revolutionised  women’s wrestling, but she’s also helped to train a new generation of Japanese female wrestlers and keep the industry moving forward. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Meiko Satomura” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Tomoe Gozen

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Women Warriors is a series that puts the spotlight on Japanese women who have left their mark on history. Many formidable Japanese women could be found among the onna bugeisha, female fighters who became a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. One of the most badass onna bugeisha happened to be a 12th century woman called Tomoe Gozen.

The wife of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, Gozen earned a reputation as a legendary warrior during the Genpei War. Gozen’s story took place at a time of great social upheaval, making it an even more inspiring tale. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Tomoe Gozen” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Mariko Yashida

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Women Warriors is an ongoing series that celebrates the lives of inspirational Japanese women throughout history. And while historical figures like Empress Jingū laid the groundwork for what can be accomplished, it’s worth looking into fictional characters as well to appreciate how Japanese women are represented in popular culture.

Mariko Yashida is a great example of a badass female warrior who broke away from traditional Japanese societal norms. A love interest of Wolverine, Mariko is by no means a damsel in distress. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Mariko Yashida” →