When Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, took office, many people called it a historic moment.
But did you know that more than 800 years ago, Japan already had a woman who led the samurai?
Her name was Hojo Masako (北条政子) — often called “the nun shogun.”
The Wife of a Great Samurai Leader
Hojo Masako was the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝), the founder of Japan’s first samurai government, the Kamakura shogunate (鎌倉幕府).
Yoritomo built a new political system based on the power of samurai, not aristocrats in Kyoto.
When he died suddenly, Japan was thrown into chaos.
Many powerful lords—called gokenin (御家人)—were confused.
Who should lead now? Could a woman rule?
Masako, who had become a Buddhist nun after her husband’s death, decided to act.
The Speech That Changed Japan
In 1221, the retired Emperor tried to take back power from the samurai government.
The Kamakura warriors were afraid and divided.
At that critical moment, Hojo Masako stood before the samurai lords and spoke.
She reminded them:
“We serve not the court in Kyoto, but the house of Minamoto.
Do not forget the debt you owe to Yoritomo.”
Her powerful words united the samurai once again.
They fought together and defeated the Emperor’s forces in what is known as the Jokyu Rebellion (承久の乱).
It was a turning point — and it was a woman’s voice that saved the samurai government.
What She Achieved
Hojo Masako became the true power behind the Kamakura shogunate.
She showed that leadership is not about gender, but courage and loyalty.
Her actions protected the government her husband had built and kept peace for many years.
In a sense, she was Japan’s first female political leader — centuries before modern democracy existed.
Legacy
Today, as Japan sees new female leaders like Sanae Takaichi,
we can remember Hojo Masako — a woman who led with wisdom, honor, and strength.
Her courage still inspires those who believe that leadership is about conviction, not appearance.
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