What Weapons and Roles Did Female Samurai Play in Protection?

Female samurai, also known as onna bugeisha, were an essential part of samurai culture in Japan, despite the cultural and societal norms surrounding gender. These women, despite the generally masculine term "samurai," were highly trained and active participants in the defense and protection of both people and places, particularly during times of war and conflict.

Onna Bugeisha: Female Samurai in Historical Context

The term "samurai" traditionally referred to a class of warrior-merchants, renowned for their prowess with weapons such as the katana (sword) and yari (spear), but the title can be misleading in terms of gender. The role of the onna bugeisha—female warriors—was distinct and significant. These brave and skilled women served as protectors and defenders, often taking the lead in situations where their husbands or male relatives were away or incapacitated.

Roles of Onna Bugeisha in Castle Defense

The historical role of the onna bugeisha was predominantly defensive, as they were expected to hold castles and fortresses in the absence of their male counterparts. A typical scenario involved a commander being absent, and the comandant's wife taking on the responsibility of defense, which often included real combat. This role was not just administrative but often combat-based, suggesting that women of the samurai class were well-trained in martial arts to prepare for emergencies.

For instance, when Japanese lords and samurais went to war, their wives and samurai wives were left to ensure the safety and integrity of the castle or fortress. The wives were not only in charge of the administrative duties that came with castle management but were also expected to defend the castle should an attack occur. It is important to note that even in the most challenging of situations, women like these played a crucial role in the survival and protection of the people and places they were assigned to defend.

Weapons Used by Female Samurai

Despite the commonly held belief that women were not expected to fight, female samurai, or onna bugeisha, were well-versed in the use of certain weapons. They were trained to use swords, spears, and other traditional samurai weapons. However, the types of weapons and their use were often specific to their environment and the tasks at hand.

Swords: While men were more commonly associated with the katana, women warriors were also trained to use it. In addition to the katana, women were known to use other types of swords, such as chokutō, which were widely used by samurais in the Muromachi period. Spears: The cual (bow) and yari (polearm) were also common weapons among women warriors. These were practical in castle defense as they allowed for effective range and could be wielded from a defensive position. Other Arms: Besides traditional samurai weapons, women were also trained in the use of kusarigama (chain and sickle) and naginata (halberd) which were effective in both close combat and from a distance.

A Deliberate Training and Preparation

The training and preparation of onna bugeisha were thorough and stringent, reflecting the importance placed on their roles as protectors. Women like the onna bugeisha were not merely expected to take on physical combat roles when necessary but were also educated in the strategic and tactical aspects of warfare. As the late eleventh-century military code of the Ginkōshū highlights, they were schooled in the principles of positioning, tactics, and the use of various weapons. This rigorous training ensured that they were ready to fulfill their duties irrespective of the challenge.

Conclusion

While female samurai are often overshadowed by their male counterparts, the role of onna bugeisha was significant and cannot be understated. These women played a vital role in the defense and protection of both people and places, demonstrating their courage, skill, and determination. Through their weapons and training, they have left a lasting legacy in the history of Japan, proving that the term "samurai" extends beyond gender constructs.