Incredible Warrior Queens Throughout History

Nakano Takeko of China

Photo via mushotoku.it/Wikipedia

One of history’s only known female samurais, Takeko was a force to be reckoned with. Originally educated in literary and martial arts, she was one of few females who chose to fight in the Battle of Aizu in 1868.

Fearless in her attack, Takeko led the “Women’s Army” into battle armed with a Japanese polearm. Although her actions would make her a historical figure, she met her fate when she was shot in the chest during the charge against the Imperial Japanese Army of Ogaki. Her final wish was that her sister cut off her head and bury it to stop her enemies making a war trophy out of it. Her sister did as she was bid, and buried Takeko underneath a pine tree at the Hokai-Ji Temple in Fukushima. These days, girls come each year to honor her bravery.