onna-musha

thumb|Ishi-jo wielding a naginata, woodblock print by [[Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1848]]

is a term referring to female warriors in pre-modern Japan, who were members of the (warrior) class. They were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honour in times of war; many of them fought in battle alongside samurai men. also have an important presence in Japanese literature, with Tomoe Gozen and Hangaku Gozen being famous and influential examples.