History That's More Than 2-Dimensional.

Collection: Samurai

Sutematsu Oyama (1860-1919)

Japan's First College-Educated Woman

The first Japanese woman to go to college didn't have a choice. But the experience changed her - and she changed Japan in return.

Takeko Nakano (1846-1868)

The Samurai Who Refused to Die Quietly

When the end of an era was at hand, this samurai woman refused to go gently.

Tsuruhime Ohori (1526-1543)

The Savior of Omishima Island

When invaders threatened her island home, she declared herself a living god, raised an army, and fought them tooth, nail, and occasional grenade.

Masako Hojo (1157-1225)

When her shogun husband cheated on her, she raised an army and destroyed the other woman's house. Later she deposed her incompetent son to become the first nun to rule Japan.

Tomoe Gozen (c.1157-1247)

The Samurai Who Made Samurai Flee

Fearsome undefeated samurai warrior who was “a match for any god or demon,” and is one of Japan’s greatest heroines to this day.

Chiyome Mochizuki (16th century)

The Widow Who Ran a Ninja Academy

Recruited widows, orphans, and prostitutes into an all-woman ninja spy group, the largest in Asia at the time.