encyclopedia-amazonica: Yoshioka Myorin-ni - Guardian of Tsurusaki castle Yoshioka Myorin-ni (active
encyclopedia-amazonica: Yoshioka Myorin-ni - Guardian of Tsurusaki castle Yoshioka Myorin-ni (active during the 16th century) was a Japanese warrior woman noted for her defense of Tsurusaki castle during the Sengoku period. Myorin-ni is the posthumous name that appears on her funerary tablet. Her husband was Yoshioka Kamon-no-suke Shigeoki, a retainer of the daimyo of Bungo, Ōtomo Sōrin. The Otomo fought against the Shimazu clan in 1578 and Myorin-ni’s husband died. Since her son was too young, the widow took the administration in charge and proved highly capable. In 1586, she had to protect her small castle against an attack from the Shimazu clan. Myorin-ni strengthened the defenses, ordering to dig the moats and to place many pitfalls in the muddy ground around the castle, hiding them with grass. Myorin-ni took an active pact in the defense. She donned armor and appeared on the walls armed with a naginata. The castle was besieged by an army of 3,000 men, but many fell victim to the traps and the firearms wielded from the castle. The castle fended off 16 Shimazu attacks. She ultimately agreed to make peace with the Shimazu and was well treated by the enemy commanders. Myorin-ni gained their confidence and organized a party for them. Once the Shimazu commanders were drunk, she attacked their army from the rear. The enemy suffered many casualties and left Tsurusaki. Myorin-ni had thus avenged her husband and regained her castle. Hearing of her exploits, Toyotomi Hideyoshi offered to meet her, but she refused, resuming a peaceful life. References: “Myorin-ni”, Japanese sword virtual museum “Tsurusaki Castle -Fierce battle for fate and fame (5) -Plots of old lady-” Turnbull Stephen, Samurai Women 1184-1877 -- source link