Japanese armor worn by all samurai classes – the Tatami Gusoku

Tatami Gusoki in Japanese means  “To Fold armor” and was a lightweight portable armor worn by samurai and their foot soldiers ashigaru during the feudal era of Japan.

This type of armor could be easily transported by one individual as it could be contained in a small box, ergo it was commonly intended for a low-ranking infantryman.

The main components of this type of armor were tatami katabira (an armored jacket) or Tatami dō (a foldable cuirass), as well was the traditional kabuto helmet, tatami zukin (hood) or similar type of tatami head protection along with the other related parts of a full suit of Japanese armour.

Tatami armors were worn by all Samurai classes, from the highest to the lowest, as the armor was portable, lightweight and was manufactured cheaply for the foot warriors.

The elaborate, gold lacquer ornaments and silk brocade are unusual for this type of armor, as it usually came in more plain and easy to fold design.

The decorated tatami armor was usually worn by the high-class Samurai, while the lower class wore more simple versions.

Like Samurai articles? Here is another from us: The unique Samurai helmet was called Kabuto but was it an ironic part of the traditional Japanese armour?