An Onna-musha (女武者) were female warriors of the samurai class in feudal Japan. Unlike the more commonly known male samurai, these women were trained in combat to protect their homes, families, and honor—especially during times of war or invasion.

Key Characteristics

• Highly trained fighters – skilled with weapons like the naginata (a long polearm), daggers, and sometimes swords

• Samurai status – usually came from noble or warrior families

• Defenders of the home – often fought when male samurai were away or killed

• Strategic and disciplined – followed the same honor code (bushidō) as male samurai

Famous Onna-musha

• Tomoe Gozen – One of the most legendary female warriors, known for her bravery and skill in battle

• Nakano Takeko – Led an all-female unit during the Boshin War

• Hojo Masako – A powerful political and military leader often called the “nun shogun”

Simple Explanation

Think of an Onna-musha as:

A female samurai warrior trained to fight and defend—just as fierce and honorable as any male warrior.