Yes, there were female samurai in Japan, known as "onna-bugeisha" or "female warriors." While the samurai class was predominantly male, there are historical accounts of women who fought in battles and displayed martial prowess during periods of war.

Some notable female samurai include:

1. Tomoe Gozen: A legendary figure from the late 12th century, Tomoe Gozen was a skilled archer and warrior known for her bravery and leadership on the battlefield.
2. Nakano Takeko: A samurai of the Aizu domain during the Boshin War in the 19th century, Nakano Takeko fought in the defense of Aizu and led a group of female warriors.
3. Hangaku Gozen: A warrior of the Minamoto clan during the late 12th century, Hangaku Gozen played a crucial role in the defense of the fortress of Torisaka.
4. Hojo Masako: While not a warrior herself, Hojo Masako was the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. She wielded significant political influence and played a pivotal role in shaping the samurai society.

It's important to note that the role and participation of female samurai varied throughout history, and their presence was relatively less common compared to their male counterparts. However, these female samurai and others like them have left an indelible mark on Japanese history and serve as inspirations for the concept of women warriors in Japanese culture.