In a message dated 97-12-14 21:31:56 EST, you write:
<< However, they also mentioned a story based upon a Japanese folk
tale about a young girl who goes into the army in her father's place
when he is drafted (he's old or sick or something, so she has to
take his place). Has anyone else heard about this? The potential
for a good story is there; of course, Disney could botch it. You
know, do something like market an army kit for the main character,
complete with make-up and jewelry. Does anyone know what tale
this is (knowing Disney "loosely") based on? >>
Save us all from Disney versions!
This doesn't sound like anything I've ever come across in studying Japanese
lit/culture/art; for one thing, the "draft" sounds very suspicious coupled
with "folktale." (My Japanese business partner agrees.) But there are many
accounts in Japanese legends, mostly found in the Heike Monogatori, of women
who are forced by circumstances to take up arms---usually in defense of a home
or stockade when the lord is killed. The most famous of these, of course, is
Tomoe Gozen (Jessica Salmonson wrote a 3-novel series based on her, and
there's a comic book series out there somewhere also). These women didn't
masquerade as men and they weren't commoners.
For a pretty decent online article in English on real women warriors in Japan,
see Ellis Amdur, "The Role of the Arms Bearing Women in Japanese History"
at http://www.koryubooks.com/Library/wwj1.html
Salmonson's Dictionary of Amazons has scattered entries on the women from
Japanese legend. Her book is full of errors and shows very poor scholarship,
but it does provide a handy starting point for running down stories & fact.
Kathleen
Kmfriello@aol.com
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