Medieval Japan Armor Facts
Warriors in medieval Japan were known as samurai. They were bound by oaths of loyalty to their lord, and they practiced a code of honor similar to that of a European knight. Like knights, samurai had special equipment, including the famous katana swords and suits of armor built for protection. The armor differs significantly from medieval European armor, stressing lightness and ease of movement over heavy layers of protection.
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History
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Japanese armor evolved through several forms during the Middle Ages. The earliest version was known as "o-yoroi," consisting of interlacing scales of metal. It was gradually replaced in the 14th century with "do-maru," which was lighter and covered less of the body. In the 16th century, as battles raged throughout Japan, armor underwent a series of refinements designed to more closely match European models. "Gusoku" armor, consisting of overlapping metal plates, was typical of the period (and the kind most often seen in modern films about the era).
Components
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Japanese armor typically consisted of multiple sections, placed over a robe and pants to prevent chafing. The helmet was called a "kabuto," and contained a neck guard of interlocking plates known as a "shikoro." The chest plate, or "do," covered the samurai's chest and torso, while the "sode" (shoulder plate) and "kote" (sleeve coverings) protected the arms. "Haidate," thigh guards, and "suneate," shin guards, kept the legs covered. A "menpo," or mask, was sometimes used to cover the face.
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Dressing
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Like many other aspects of Japanese culture, there was a formal method of donning Japanese armor. The samurai started with his soft undergarments, then slowly worked his way up his body, armoring to the waist before donning his arm guards. The chest plate and body armor would follow, then the shoulder guards and his two samurai swords. His helmet and menpo were the final components, signaling that the samurai was ready for battle.
Symbols
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To differentiate between factions on the battlefield, lower-ranked samurai wore the symbol of their lord on the front of their armor. For samurai of a higher rank, helmets were used for identification. Each helmet contained a signature design, marked by a "maedate," or crest. Depending upon the style and occasion, maedate could be quite elaborate.
Construction
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Japanese armor used small metal plates linked together with strips of leather or silk. Contrary to popular belief, bamboo was rarely used. No other sort of wood used, either. Despite that, the meshing kept the armor from becoming too bulky, while still being able to deflect blows from a katana and similar weapons.
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