For some initial insight into who is viewed as heroes in Japan, and what they did, here is a list from the Japanese version of Wikipedia, as of August 9, 2008:
Historical persons
Taira no Masakado (平将門) ［? - 940］Military commander during the Heian Era
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義経) ［1159 - 1189］ Military commander in late Heian Era
Kusunoki [...]
Continue reading about A list on Japanese Heroes, according to Wikipedia
Today I am starting work on a new story about an encounter I had with a very special, spear wielding woman in Kyoto some time ago. The weapon she used has a history going back to ancient Japan, and indeed to some of the most famous heroes and heroines in the history of the country.
My postings [...]