Tag: onna-bugeisha

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” →

Japanese Mythology · Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Empress Jingū

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Japanese history is filled with stories of legendary figures like Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Sengo Muramasa who helped to shape the time periods they lived in. For every tale of a man who dictated the future of Japan, there are just as many inspirational stories about Japanese women shocking the system. Women Warriors examines the life of these brave souls who went against tradition.

One of the most interesting stories of a woman changing the status quo involves the legendary Empress Jingū, A semi-mythological figure, Empress Jingū’s life is a topic of much debate. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Empress Jingū” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Nakano Takeko

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In every culture around the world, you’ll find stories of women who stood out for their bravery and courage. They are the women who went against tradition and did what they believed to be right. Women Warriors is a series that investigates the lives of Japanese women who forged their own destinies.

During the heyday of the samurai, women were assigned traditional roles of house keeping and cooking. The idea of them being fighters was frowned upon, with men being responsible for going off to war. But Nakano Takeko defied societal norms by taking up the role of a samurai and fighting during the Boshin War In the 19th century. Her story is one of bravery, defiance and tragedy. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Nakano Takeko” →