Women in the Workplace: The
Onna-Bugeisha of the Samurai Class
When you think of a samurai
warrior, you probably picture a big, beefy man covered in armor, mounted on a
steed while wielding a set of swords. In reality, most of the men in the
samurai class were quite short (closer to 5’3’’) as compared to warriors from
other countries in the same era. In addition, researchers have now determined
that women, know as Onna-Bugeisha, made up a portion of these post-feudal
Japanese warriors. Keep reading to discover more details about the samurai
class as well as the role women played within it.
Background
The samurai have a
rich history spanning multiple centuries. Originally established in the 8th and
9th centuries, these military clan warriors, known as Shogun, served to dissolve
rebellions against the emperor. The land-owning nobility also began employing
these warriors for protection, leading to the development of the highly skilled
and well-respected samurai class. By the 12th and 13th centuries, warring clans
began fighting for political power and eventually took control of the
government. Military conflict subsided in the 1600s, and the samurai became
aristocrats more than militants.
The samurai existed
until the mid-1800s, when these well-educated nobles gradually dissipated
within society. The long and vast lineage of the samurai, in addition to
Japan’s homogeneous reputation, means that perhaps every Japanese person is
related to someone from the samurai class.
Women of the Samurai class
Rather than jumping
into battle along with their husbands, brothers, and sons, the women of
post-feudal Japan were expected to remain at home. Before you cry for feminist
rights, however, understand that women were responsible for protecting their
homes from attack. Becoming skilled in a few forms of combat and weaponry was
essential, along with martial arts training. Upon hearing a disturbance in their
village, the women would sweep the town for any signs of danger.
By the 15th
century, wives of samurai warlords were described as leading groups of women
warriors, known as Onna Bugeisha. Researchers have discovered the bodies of
women at multiple battle-sites across Japan, shedding light on the extent of
their participation. Some specific accounts do exist of women fighting
alongside their husbands, and a few rose up as historical or political figures.
These include Tomoe Gozen, Hangaku Gozen, and Empress Jingu.
Weaponry
The samurai most
often utilized a set of weaponry including a long sword and a shorter knife or
companion sword. The set is known as daisho, and it could only be worn by
samurai. Possible combinations include the katana, tachi, nagamaki, or
wakizashi blades. You can see and even buy examples of these by visiting Swords
of The East. Women, however, typically chose another type of blade known
as a naginata. This was a spear of sorts, with a curved blade atop a tall stick
or pole. This naginata, lighter and more versatile than many katana blades, was
the go-to weapon of choice for women at this time. Women warriors were both
powerful and empowered, whether they remained homemakers or joined men on the
battlefield.