Fill in the Blanks Samurai womenOnline version Stories and legends of these Japanese warriors. by Educaplay Educational Resources 1 fighters battalion onna bugeisha rock band The ( as they are called in Japanese ) are not just a mythical element : the history of Japan is full of cases of female . One of them is Nakano Takeko ( 1847 - 1868 ) , who at just 21 years old led the Joshitai female . 2 crossbow civil war pole disapproved She defended Wakamatsu Castle during the Boshin , ignoring commanders who of women in battle . Her weapon was the naginata , a with a curved blade at the end . 3 shot naginata trophy She , along with her battle companions , led the defense of the fortress , taking down numerous rivals until she received a rifle in her chest . To prevent her corpse from being captured by enemies as a war , she asked her sister to end her life and give her an honorable funeral . Nakano Takeko was a real samurai , but she is also a legend . Her remains rest next to a statue depicting her wielding her .
