Hangaku Gozen

[6] Hangaku was noted for her leadership and bravery during the three-month long defense during which she and Sukemori led forces of men against Sasaki Moritsuna's bakufu army, who were loyal to the Kamakura Shogunate.

"Dressed as a boy", Hangaku stood on the tower of the castle and all those that came to attack her were shot down by her arrows which pierced them either in their chests or their heads.

[7][8][9] The rebel defenses were eventually struck down and Hangaku's fighting stopped only after she was wounded by an arrow that pierced her thigh.

In 1201, together with her nephew Jō Sukemori (城資盛), she raised an army and joined Sukemoto in his attempt (the Kennin Rebellion) to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate.

Many storytellers and printmakers have portrayed her in their works, including Kuniyoshi, who produced a series of warrior women prints.