Shizuka Gozen

Shizuka Gozen (静御前) (1165–1211), or Lady Shizuka, one of the most famous women in Japanese history and literature, was a shirabyōshi of the 12th century, and a mistress of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. She is a prominent figure in Japanese literature and is frequently noted in traditional accounts for her exceptional skill as a dancer. Because she is featured in the Heike Monogatari, the Gikeiki, and numerous plays, her story is a familiar part of Japanese culture, though her legendary status makes it difficult to separate historical fact from fiction.