“Samurai women were influential in Japanese society.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that samurai women were influential in Japanese society. Candidates may refer to how samurai women were held in high regard. Samurai women could hold significant influence over the political process and were sometimes used as negotiators and peacemakers. Samurai women were often the wives of the daimyo and would be entrusted with the protection of the castle during the daimyo’s absence. Samurai women were highly trained in martial arts and did engage in battles, particularly in the defence of their castles. Candidates may challenge the statement by arguing that samurai women were only a small group in society and few took part in battles. While other relevant factors, for example the influence of samurai men, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.