"JAPANESE ARMOUR" by NISHIOKA SAMURAI’S ARMER & BRAIDING STUDIO

Ancient Japanese suit of armour was made of iron.

It was called Tankou and Keikou and was replicated from Chinese and Korean armour. Departing from influences on the continent, the distictive form of manufacturing “Ooyoroi” (great armour) was began in the latter part of the Heian Era (the 12th century). In later periods, medieval armour was classified as Ooyoroi, Do-maru, and Haramaki.  Ooyoroi usually had larger components and was better equipped than Haramaki and Do-maru as they came with a Kabuto (a helmet) and Oosode (long-sleeves).

In the Warring States Period (the 15th century), gun-power and incessant warfare altered the form of armour to “Tousei-Gusoku” which used more metal to cover larger surfaces of the body. Thereafter, this type of armour became mainstream.

The most important process was blacksmithing, odoshi (lacing), and assembling the components. In addition, gold smithing, woodworking, lacquering, sewing, and other arts were necessary in production. Occasionally, it required several years to complete one suit of armour. In addition to the advanced techniques, extensive labor and expense were required as well.

Nishioka Koubou has been applying astonishingly high quality techniques to replicate Japanese armour from earlier times. The restoration of armour is troublesome work, and requires someone well versed in traditional crafts, and history. It is very expensive, and years of practice are essential to attain a minimum set of skills. Hence, there are only a few professional armorers in Japan. The rise of a successor is also required, and there is no public funding. Younger generations have to devote large amount of time and money to become professional armorers because it is a severely demanding occupation. Yet, handing down and maintaining Japanese culture is an essential job. An understanding of historical and cultural values can only be passed down to future generations by “repairing and reproducing.” Japanese armour exhibits sophisticated craftsmanship, unique aesthetics, and reflects the samurai’s code of ethics, as well as the faith of the commissioner and creator. Continuing the work ensures the continuity of cultural and historical values to coming generations of Japanese as well as others around the world.

We study the original armour in detail, and reproduce it as authentically as possible.

We have already restored hundreds of suits of armour including armour owned by private individuals, temples, the house of Tachibana and other feudal lords (Daimyo).

 We also produce replicas for a museum program, which gives people an opportunity to wear suits of armour. Seeing armour is not enough to understand its real value, actually wearing armour gives a deeper understanding of it. To fully understand its quality and weight it is best to put it on. For instance, touching it gives the feeling of its texture; wearing it lets you feel its weight and the sound it makes in motion. The armour even emits odours. There are a number of replicas of suits of armour made of paper and plastic to enjoy casually, but our suits of armour are assembled from original materials using original techniques as accurately as possible.

For example, I replicated “Byakudan nuri asagiitoodoshi Haramaki ” that was commissioned by gusoku of OHTOMO Sourin who was the Daimyo of Bungo; “Gachirinmon mogamido gusoku” TACHIBANA Muneshige, the first feudal lord of Yanagawa province owned; “Gousunari Kabutotuki kuroito odoshi marudo gusoku ” the famous warrior KURODA Kanbei owned.