Itako are blind women who serve as spirit mediums. In ancient Japan, blindness was once considered a sign of spiritual powers, so only young girls who were born blind could become itako. Traditionally, an itako’s training began around the ages of 11 to 13 years old. The girls would endure strict ascetic training and ritualized …
Samurai women played a variety of roles throughout the Edo period. They were carefully educated, expected to uphold the honor of the warrior class, and many were trained in weaponry. However, even in the Warring States period, they were usually expected to defend their homes rather than venture out onto the battlefield. And as in …
When thinking of warfare in medieval Japan, the image of the samurai quickly comes to mind. However, the role of the common foot soldier, known as the ashigaru, should not be understated. Ashigaru began as conscripted farmers and rose through the ranks to become the backbone of daimyo lords’ armies in the Warring States period. …
They work hard everyday, farming and surviving, making enough to be able to feed themselves and pay the taxes to the Daimyo. Always following their customs and very suspicious about outsiders. Bandit raids leave these peasants helpless and wish for support from the warriors that might be able to help them, the warriors that are …