Samurai Armour

by Martin J Dougherty

Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to
their daimyo, or lord, and living according to the principles of
bushidō, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial
excellence, valour in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting
on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which,
although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques
developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras.

Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many
types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th
centuries. Learn about the classic o-Yoroi (‘great armour’), designed
for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback;
understand the development of the haramake (“belly wrap") armour,
worn by the ashigaru men-at-arms — a new class of foot soldier that
emerged during the Warring States period (1467–1615); explore the many
types of classic Dō-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from
flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and
see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly
decorative kabutos (helmets), haidate (thigh guards) which were
tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental mempo (face masks)
designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his
enemies.

With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese
armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this
complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern
readers.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2025