The contributions of women in warfare have often been overlooked.  This has been the case with female samurai.  One such "Lady Samurai" was Nakano Takeko, born into the Aizu Clan in Edo, Japan in 1847.  She grew into a master of arms such as the naginata (a Japanese polearm), the use of which she taught to numerous other women samurai.  She would later lead this force in support of the Shogun during the Boshin War.  In 1868, during battle against the numerically superior forces of the Meiji Emperor, she was shot and killed after fighting like a demon.  Rather than have her head claimed as a war trophy Takeko's sister, Yuko, cut it off and took it to a temple for proper burial.  If you have seen the movie "The Last Samurai" you will have an idea of the time period and the forces involved.  Nakano Takeko is honored to this day in her homeland for her courage,, bravery and honor.

 

 

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