Ueno Tsuruhime

Ueno Tsuruhime (上野 鶴姫; 1536 – June 4, 1575) was a Japanese noblewoman and female warrior (onna-musha), who was known as a figure during the Bitchū Conflict. She was the wife of Ueno Takatoshi, the lord of Tsuneyama Castle in Bizen Province.

She was known for her actions during the Bitchū Province Conflict from 1574 to 1575, during an invasion by Mōri-aligned forces. When engaging enemy forces, she was said to have led 33 maidservants in an attempt to oppose the Mori in their invasion of Tsuneyama Castle.

It is said that Tsuruhime married Ueno Takatoshi at some point, becoming lady of Tsuneyama Castle. Following the assassination of her father by the Ukita clan in 1566, her family was thrust into a conflict known as the Bitchū Heiran. In 1567, Tsuruhime's husband sought revenge against the Ukita clan, leading to a series of battles characterized by shifting allegiances and intense fighting.

When she appeared before them, it is said that Tsuruhime challenged Urano Munekatsu, a commander of the enemy, to a duel, but she was declined, as it is said that the invading forces refused to do battle with the women.

Frustrated, it is said that she returned to the castle with the remaining maids, and they recited nembutsu, before killing themselves, through flinging their bodies forward upon sharp blades.

It is said she was followed by her husband, who then committed seppuku following her death.