A Brief Historical Overview of Japanese Armor

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The Warring States Period, or the Sengoku Jidai, was a time in Japanese history of near near constant warfare between daimyo, feudal lords of the time vying for control over the country of Japan as a whole. With constant warfare comes economic booms and the need to improve upon armor for the soldiers called to fight. The artisans of Japan that specialized in armor were in a league of their own when it came to the intricacies of the process. Ever developing new and improved ways to make sure their warriors were protected in battle, the changes in Japanese armor were a mixture of subtle and obvious, no matter the time period. Among the chaos of warring states, there was then a shipwreck off the coast, the ship full of Portuguese sailors with goods and materials.​

With these initial interactions, Europeans were now starting to barter with and travel to Japan, leading to new goods and materials that local artisans did not have. These same artisans were introduced to the mechanisms and the profits of black powder firearms, and with quick developments of this weaponry came the need to better protect warriors across the country. They examined the European version of armor and decided to implement it into their craftsmanship in order to improve upon their own works. However, even when influenced by Europe's version of armor, Japanese artisans simply took inspiration from it and never let influence fully erase their roots. The armor improved, had great modifications and obvious influence, but they kept the style of armor as their own.​

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Section 1: Age of Battles

Section 2: The Armor of the 16th Century

Section 3: European Influence on Japanese Armor and New Trade Agreements

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Click on the pictures to learn more.