An American living in Tokyo has embarked on a thrilling course in Japanese weaponry after spotting an advertisement in her local ward newspaper. She first learned about the naginata—a long pole with a curved blade—from 'The Tale of the Heike' during her undergraduate studies. Twelve years later, in Japan, the term reappeared, leading her to a community dojo in Kita Ward.
The American woman first encountered the naginata during her undergraduate course at Binghamton University in New York, through 'The Tale of the Heike.' She became engrossed in the epic account of the battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the Genpei War (1180-1185). Figures like the legendary Tomoe Gozen, one of the women from the samurai class said to have wielded the naginata, captured her imagination. At the time, she viewed this 'woman's weapon' as merely a fascinating element of Japanese history.
Twelve years after completing that course, now living in Japan, she spotted the word naginata again in an advertisement in her ward newspaper. This prompted her to join a course at a community dojo in Kita Ward. The naginata is a traditional Japanese weapon consisting of a long wooden pole with a curved blade at the end.
Her journey bridges historical fascination with hands-on practice, highlighting how expats in Tokyo are engaging with local cultural activities in areas like Kita Ward.