In the turbulent twilight of the Samurai era, when Japan was gripped by the Boshin War, one woman rose to embody the spirit of bushido with unparalleled courage and indomitable will. "Nakano Takeko" is an exciting historical biography that delves into the life and legacy of Nakano Takeko, the extraordinary female warrior whose name became synonymous with bravery and honor. Born into a samurai family in the mid-19th century, Nakano Takeko was trained in the art of war from a young age, mastering the deadly naginata with a skill that rivaled her male counterparts. As Japan teetered on the edge of a new era, Takeko found herself drawn into the heart of the conflict. Rejecting the traditional roles prescribed to women of her time, she carved her own path on the battlefield, leading a group of women warriors, the Jōshitai, in a courageous stand against the imperial forces during the Battle of Aizu. "Nakano Takeko" is more than just a biography; it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of a true warrior. It celebrates the life of a woman who defied societal norms, leaving an indelible mark on history. Her story is one of inspiration, courage, and the relentless pursuit of honor, making this book a must-read for history enthusiasts, admirers of strong female figures, and anyone captivated by the samurai legacy. Prepare to be immersed in a tale of valor and determination that will leave you in awe of Nakano Takeko's enduring legacy.
“The Jōshitai: Unsung Heroines of the Boshin War” by Sumiko Nakano is a concise yet powerful tribute to the brave women who played a pivotal role during one of Japan’s most transformative periods. This book offers a brief overview of the lives and contributions of 19 courageous women warriors, from seasoned samurai to devoted family members, who stood firm during the Boshin War. Led by the fearless Nakano Takeko, these women defied societal norms to defend their homeland against overwhelming odds. Each chapter provides a summarized account of their bravery and strategic acumen, highlighting their commitment to their domain and families. While the book may not delve deeply into each woman’s life, it serves to make their names known and honor their contributions. The Boshin War (1868-1869) marked a significant period in Japanese history, representing the struggle between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Imperial Court. Amidst this turbulent period, the Jōshitai, or Girls’ Army, emerged as a remarkable and often overlooked chapter. Formed in the Aizu domain, this all-female combat unit was composed of women from various backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and bravery to the battlefield. Nakano Takeko, the leader of the Jōshitai, is celebrated for her exceptional bravery. She led her unit with distinction, and her death in battle became a symbol of the samurai spirit. However, the contributions of the other women in the unit are equally significant. This book highlights women such as Kouko, Yūko, Hirata Kochō, Hirata Yoshi, Yoda Kikuko, Yoda Mariko, Yamamoto Yaeko, Okamura Sakiko, Okamura Makiko, Jinbo Yukiko, Monna Rieko, Saigo Tomiko, Nagai Sadako, the younger sister of Hara Gorō, Kawahara Asako, Koike Chikyoku, and Tanaka Yukari. The legacy of the Jōshitai is not just a tale of war but a testament to the strength and capabilities of women who rose to the occasion when their homeland called upon them. Their stories challenge us to rethink traditional narratives and appreciate the multifaceted roles that women have played in shaping history. Their sacrifices and achievements are commemorated through annual festivals, monuments, and cultural references, ensuring that their legacy endures. This book is a heartfelt homage to the Jōshitai, celebrating their strength, resilience, and dedication. It challenges traditional historical narratives to recognize the vital role women played in shaping Japan’s history and promotes a deeper appreciation of women’s contributions. The Jōshitai’s legacy is a reminder that true strength lies in the ability to stand firm in the face of adversity, to challenge societal norms, and to fight for what is just and honorable. For the descendants of these brave women, the stories of the Jōshitai are a source of pride and inspiration. They remind us that history is not just shaped by the famous and powerful but also by those who fight silently, with unwavering determination and courage. May the tales of the Jōshitai continue to inspire and empower, reminding us of the strength and resilience that lie within us all.
“Kirby has mastered the art of short fiction…A stunning collection from a writer whose talent and creativity seem boundless.” —NPR “Kirby takes joy in subverting the reader’s expectations at every turn. Her characters might be naïve, even reckless, but they aren’t about to be victims: They’re strong, and brave, and nearly always capable of rescuing themselves.” —New York Times Book Review Margaret Atwood meets Buffy in these funny, warm, and furious stories of women at their breaking points, from Hellenic times to today. Cassandra may have seen the future, but it doesn't mean she's resigned to telling the Trojans everything she knows. In this ebullient collection, virgins escape from being sacrificed, witches refuse to be burned, whores aren't ashamed, and every woman gets a chance to be a radioactive cockroach warrior who snaps back at catcallers. Gwen E. Kirby experiments with found structures--a Yelp review, a WikiHow article--which her fierce, irreverent narrators push against, showing how creativity within an enclosed space undermines and deconstructs the constraints themselves. When these women tell the stories of their triumphs as well as their pain, they emerge as funny, angry, loud, horny, lonely, strong protagonists who refuse to be secondary characters a moment longer. From "The Best and Only Whore of Cym Hyfryd, 1886" to the "Midwestern Girl Is Tired of Appearing in Your Short Stories," Kirby is playing and laughing with the women who have come before her and they are telling her, we have always been this way. You just had to know where to look.
Who hasn’t heard of the samurai? These Japanese warriors who served under the orders of the shogun and lived by their strict code of honor, bushido, have made a name for themselves worldwide. Modern-day kids Annie and Nico go on a magical history tour to find out more about the samurai, an essential group in Japanese society for 700 years. Masters of the sword and men of honor, the samurai are still shrouded in intrigue today. But Annie and Nico will peel back the curtains on the mystery and capably explain the samurai’s origins, way of life, and their eventual decline in this pocket-sized book, perfect for classrooms and libraries!
Japanese samurai followed a strict code of honor called bushido. Though they were professional fighters, samurai valued courage, benevolence, and respect above all else. Many took their own lives after breaking the code. This interesting part of Japanese history will draw in readers with its mystery, brutality, and cultural significance. Full-color photographs and historical images of real samurai give faces to these fearless fighters, and photographs of samurai weapons are impressive to modern eyes. Fascinating details about samurai training and the fighters’ influence on modern Japan will engage readers with both the nation’s history and present-day reality.
History paints war out to be a man's business, but there is an army of women warriors who stand between the lines of history books, waiting to be seen. This biographical dictionary tells the story of the females who armed themselves against threats to self, family, home and country. Spanning 17 periods of world history, it compiles the daring deeds of 1,622 female fighters, from Bronze Age archers and Viking raiders, to helicopter pilots and commanders of aircraft carriers. Entries summarize heroes such as the Old Testament judge Deborah, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, Aisha, Mary Spencer-Churchill, Calamity Jane, Cleopatra VII, Molly Pitcher, Aung San Suu Kyi and-- surprisingly-- Julia Child. Included are the famous stands the unheralded scrappers and risk-takers took up in fierce crises.
"Knowing Japan and the Japanese better," Louis Frédéric states in the introduction to this encyclopedia, "is one of the necessities of modern life." The Japanese have a profound knowledge of every aspect and detail of Western societies. Unfortunately, we in the West cannot say the same about our knowledge of Japan. We tend to see Japan through a veil of exoticism, as a land of ancient customs and exquisite arts; or we view it as a powerful contributor to the global economy, the source of cutting-edge electronics and innovative management techniques. To go beyond these clichés, we must begin to see how apparently contradictory aspects of modern Japanese culture spring from the country's evolution through more than two millennia of history. This richly detailed yet concise encyclopedia is a guide to the full range of Japanese history and civilization, from the dawn of its prehistory to today, providing clear and accessible information on society and institutions, commerce and industry, sciences, sports, and politics, with particular emphasis on religion, material culture, and the arts. The volume is enhanced by maps and illustrations, along with a detailed chronology of more than 2,000 years of Japanese history and a comprehensive bibliography. Cross-references and an index help the reader trace themes from one article to the next. Japan Encyclopedia will be an indispensable one-volume reference for students, scholars, travelers, journalists, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the past and present of this great world civilization.
From when the Empress Jingo-kogo led an invasion of Korea while pregnant with the future Emperor Ojin, tales of female Japanese warriors have emerged from Japan's rich history. Using material that has never been translated into English before, this book presents the story of Japan's female warriors for the first time, revealing the role of the women of the samurai class in all their many manifestations, investigating their weapons, equipment, roles, training and belief systems. Crucially, as well as describing the women who were warriors in their own right, like Hauri Tsuruhime and the women of Aizu, this book also looks at occasions when women became the power behind the throne, ruling and warring through the men around them.
Indispensable for the student or researcher studying women's history, this book draws upon a wide array of cultural settings and time periods in which women displayed agency by carrying out their daily economic, familial, artistic, and religious obligations. Since record keeping began, history has been written by a relatively few elite men. Insights into women's history are left to be gleaned by scholars who undertake careful readings of ancient literature, examine archaeological artifacts, and study popular culture, such as folktales, musical traditions, and art. For some historical periods and geographic regions, this is the only way to develop some sense of what daily life might have been like for women in a particular time and place. This reference explores the daily life of women across civilizations. The work is organized in sections on different civilizations from around the world, arranged chronologically. Within each society, the encyclopedia highlights the roles of women within five broad thematic categories: the arts, economics and work, family and community life, recreation and social customs, and religious life. Included are numerous sidebars containing additional information, document excerpts, images, and suggestions for further reading.
Der Japanische Biographische Index verzeichnet in drei Bänden die 86.800 im Japanischen Biographischen Archiv enthaltenen Persönlichkeiten und erschließt 127.000 biographische Einträge aus 77 Quellenwerken in 178 Bänden, erschienen zwischen 1646 und 1998.
