At the Jidai Matsuri parade in Kyoto, besides the famous samurai, a particular attention is given to onna-bugeisha, warrior girls. To be able to protect their home, the women of the samurai class were trained in the martial arts from an early age, learning to fight with naginata or with bow and arrows.

Of course, few women actually participated in battles, but those who did became legends. One of them is Tomoe Gozen (Lady Gozen), who fought in the Genpei War (1180–1185) on the side of Minamoto. It is said that she was beautiful, with long hair, white skin, an excellent rider and an outstanding archer…

Kyoto Jidai Matsuri parade, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: National Treasures of Japan, To-ji Pagoda, Kyoto