What is onna-bugeisha?

Onna-bugeisha are fierce female warriors who fought in ancient Japan, just like superheroes from a comic book, but real!

Imagine you're playing a game of tag with your friends. You're the one running fast to catch them, and when someone tries to stop you, you don’t back down, you charge right through! That’s what onna-bugeisha were like in battle. They wore armor, fought with swords and spears, and sometimes even used horses to help them run faster.

Onna-bugeisha weren't just strong, they were also smart. Some of them used tricks, like hiding behind walls or pretending to be sick so their enemies would let down their guard. It’s like when you pretend to be asleep during hide-and-seek, and then jump out and surprise everyone!

They were part of a special group called the samurai, who were known for being brave and loyal, kind of like having your best friends in battle with you!