Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 12-4-2025

Research Program

Library Research Award

First Advisor

Dr. Yuka Kishida

Abstract

Japan and the samurai culture has fascinated many Western countries for generations, especially in modern media like video games and movies. However, the portrayal of the samurai household in these media are inaccurate to actual historical events—with this being especially true for women. Older historical research perpetuates these inaccuracies and stereotypes as well, painting women in a passive light. Samurai women in the Muromachi through Edo periods of Japan were not passive, however, directly influencing the social structures, politics, and economic structures of those medieval periods. Women in the conflict-ridden times of the Sengoku Period took it a step further—with some of them fighting in battle and defending their homelands. With the rise of interest in Japanese history, especially among Western audiences, it is very important to distinguish between fact and fiction in what women experienced during these ancient times in order to dispel persistent misconceptions.

Comments

Library Research Award 2025, Second Place

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