Onna-Bugeisha or female samurai; formed a small section of the traditional Japanese upper class. Many wives; widows; daughters; and rebels answered the call of duty by engaging in battle; commonly 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.

They also represented a divergence from the traditional 'housewife' role of the Japanese woman. Consisting of the female word onna (woman) and the masculine bugeisha (warrior); the term creates a misnomer; which can be quite controversial. Nevertheless; onna bugeisha were very important people in ancient Japan.

Significant icons such as Empress Jingu; Tomoe Gozen; Nakano Takeko; and Hojo Masako were all onna bugeisha who impacted Japan; shaping it into the country it is today. Pictures From History