Nanban Samurai Armor – Custom Bullet-Deflecting Yoroi Set

The Southern Barbarian Set – A Fusion of East & West in the Age of Gunpowder

The Nanban Dōgusoku Samurai Armor represents a turning point in Japanese warfare, inspired by European armor introduced during the late 16th century. As Portuguese and Spanish merchants traded goods, firearms (teppō), and armor with the island nation, Japanese katchû-shi (armor smiths) began adapting these foreign designs into what became known as Nanban-dō—“Southern Barbarian” armor.

This unique yoroi (armor set) features the Nanban-dō, a cuirass crafted from two curved steel plates joined along the front by a pronounced shinogi (center ridge), designed to help deflect musket fire. A hinge system along the side allows for easier donning and improved flexibility—critical advantages for the fast-moving bushi (warrior) of the Sengoku era. The iconic momonari kabuto (peach-shaped helmet), known for its bullet-deflecting qualities, crowns this set and reinforces its reputation for battlefield resilience.

While this style became increasingly common in the final years of the Sengoku Jidai, it was Oda Nobunaga—the first of Japan’s “Great Unifiers”—who made the Nanban armor not just practical but fashionable. Nobunaga wore his black-lacquered Nanban Dōgusoku with pride, often pairing it with a flowing cloak (manto), blending European military aesthetics with Japanese warlord flair.

Our skilled katchû-shi at Iron Mountain Armory continue this tradition of innovation and customization. Crafted in Gashira Class quality, your armor will be tailored to reflect both traditional heritage and personal style. This suit is fully customizable—from kabuto style to maedate (crest), paint finish, odoshi (lace), and more. Designed to be full-sized and functional, this armor is ideal for display, reenactment, martial arts (budo), cosplay, or LARP.

Whether you are a modern warrior, a historian, or a collector, the Nanban Dōgusoku Samurai Armor offers a powerful statement: a synthesis of cultures, battlefield evolution, and a reflection of Japan’s transformation under fire.

Key Features & Benefits:

Gashira Class craftsmanship inspired by European-influenced Nanban-dō

Includes momonari kabuto, shinogi-dō, & full suit configuration

Fully customizable helmet, crest, paint, lace, sizing & accessories

Wearable & historically accurate – ideal for reenactment or display

Includes display box & wooden stand

Shipping Information:

Each suit is custom-made to your specifications by our expert katchû-shi. Please allow at least 2 weeks for crafting and preparation before your armor is ready to ship.

Embrace the evolution of warfare – wear the armor of innovation.

To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service.

Description

The Southern Barbarian Set – A Fusion of East & West in the Age of Gunpowder

Key Features & Benefits:

Gashira Class craftsmanship inspired by European-influenced Nanban-dō
Includes momonari kabuto, shinogi-dō, & full suit configuration
Fully customizable helmet, crest, paint, lace, sizing & accessories
Wearable & historically accurate – ideal for reenactment or display
Includes display box & wooden stand

Shipping Information:

Each suit is custom-made to your specifications by our expert katchû-shi. Please allow at least 2 weeks for crafting and preparation before your armor is ready to ship.

Embrace the evolution of warfare – wear the armor of innovation.

To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service.

Additional information

Weight	26 kg
Dimensions	51 × 51 × 61 cm

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Nanban Dogusoku Gashira Samurai Armor

Standard Suit Options

Kabuto Options

Chest Options

Kote Options

Sizing Options

Accessory Options

Extra Customization Options

Advanced Paint Options

Custom Lace Options

The Southern Barbarian Set – A Fusion of East & West in the Age of Gunpowder

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Embrace the evolution of warfare – wear the armor of innovation.

Description

The Southern Barbarian Set – A Fusion of East & West in the Age of Gunpowder

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Embrace the evolution of warfare – wear the armor of innovation.

Additional information

Reviews

Great News! 🎉

Select the LACE (Odoshi) Color you would like for your armor. (Click through the product images to see different Lace Colors.)

Select the Vertical and Horizontal ACCENT lacing for your armor set. (If left blank MAIN LACE COLOR will be used) (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)

Select the STYLE OF KABUTO (helmet) for your Armor. Please click the "ORDER OPTIONS EXPLAINED" link at the bottom left of the page for more details. To keep the standard style for this model armor leave pre-selected option "As Seen".

This option is available for Suji-Bachi Style Helmets, and allows you to chose how many plates are used to craft the “bowl” section of your helmet. The Standard Option is “Simulated” which means the helmet bowl will be crafted from a single sheet of steel and made to look like it is crafted from several pieces.

Select the Linen Material or Art. Silk Brocade used for your Armor parts.

Select the Leather Color and/or Egawa (pattern) used of your armor parts. (Haidate (armored apron), Light or Medium Suneate (shin armor))

Select the style of Suneate (shin armor) you would like for your armor. (Picture is for reference only.)

Select to upgrade your standard black lacquer Yoroi Bitsu (storage box & stand) to a natural lacquer Deluxe Bitsu with "dove tailed" joints.

Choose to add Samurai or Custom Mon (symbol) to your Yoroi Bitsu (armor box). Custom Mon's needs to be e-mailed to us in a mono-color, “Clip-Art” format.(Click through the product images to see different Standard Mon Options.)

Add a symbol (mon) to the ears (fukigaeshi) of your helmet. This can be a standard mon or custom design you can email us in "Clip-Art" format. (Click through the product images to see different Standard Mon Options.)

Add a Kasa Jirushi no Kan (ring with tassel) to the back of a helmet with an Agemaki Bow (a specially knotted cord).

Customize the visor of your helmet with embosed eyebrows and/or wrinkles.

Select your choice of face armor available for your yoroi. Standard and Ressei Menpo option will give you nose and mustache options. Henpo and Hoate are without nose option.

Add character to your armor by selecting a custom mustache option.(This option is only available with certain mask / nose styles.)

Select the Mon (symbol) to be painted on the front of your Dō (chest plate).(Option Not Available with Suna finish)

Select to add 1 or 2 Chest Rings (Saihai no kan & Tenugui no kan) to your Dō, used to display tassels or hold a saihai or gunbai. (Select option from the perspective of wearing the armor)

Add 1 or 2 WAIST RINGS (holding rings) to either side of your Dō (chest plate), used to hold bags, tie a weapon, Gunbai and/or your Sarashi in place. We recommend adding both if you are training in your armor. (Select option from the perspective of wearing the armor)

Add a Banner Holder (Machi-Uke) to the back of your Gashira or Kachi Dō (chest armor) so you can attach a Sashimono (war banner) to your armor set. (Add Optional Wooden Banner Base)

This option offers to make your kuzazuri (skirt plate) detachable / interchangeable. Commonly used in the past for fast repair / replacement of the kuzazuri, or removable for fast and quiet movement of troops.

This option is for the waist circumference of the Dō (chest armor). 5: Place a tape measure on your navel (belly button) and straight around your waist, finishing at your navel. The tape measure should be snug, but not tight. Please Note: Sizing is for REFERENCE ONLY and may not reflect the final product. Please read the FAQs for more details.

Adjust the armor to your Height. Standard sizing is 5' 8" (175 CM). Select the option closest to your actual height. If unsure, select 1 size smaller and enter your actual size in the order comments.

Please select the option that is closest to your weight or next weight level greater, so our armorers can better fit your armor to your body size.

Add a long cloth belt used to hold your dō firmly in place for a more comfortable with and to hold weapons and other accessories to your waist.

Add Traditional Straw Sandals to your order. Select 1 size smaller.

Gashira (Officer): Expertly handmade from a mixture of quality traditional and modern materials, as well as some modern crafting process. This class of armor is crafted with a good attention to detail. Crafting Time: 20 to 35 Days. Materials Used: Bowl style kabuto, steel construction, traditional brocade, hemp, quality cotton, brass, copper fittings with genuine leather & and some synthetic materials might be used. (materials may differ depending on model) Our “Gashira Class” yoroi represents the next level up from our “Kachi Class.” Each suit is meticulously handcrafted by our experienced katchû-shi (armor smiths) at Iron Mountain Armory. These artisans pour their warrior spirit into every piece, using quality materials and traditional crafting methods, complemented by modern techniques, tools, and design advancements. Like the Taisho Class, each suit is heavily researched and crafted with great care for historical accuracy. The principal difference between the Gashira and Taisho classes is that the Gashira Class is crafted with a practical bowl-style kabuto (simulated laminate) and some machine-stamped parts. The Gashira Class also features subtle modern enhancements, such as grommets and spot welding, making the armor more robust and easier to maintain. Our Gashira Class samurai armor is made for collectors, exhibitions, re-enactors, and martial artists who desire an authentic “Gendai” samurai suit of armor without the additional expenses associated with the more traditional design and handcrafting methods of our Taisho Class. The Gashira Class features a more traditional Gendai design compared to the Kachi Class and includes features such as real animal hair, genuine leather, a removable or interchangeable nose, brass fittings, shoulder padding with kikko (armor plating), traditional butted mail, opposable thumbs, leg/waist support on haidate, extra materials, fittings, riveting, grommets, additional lacing options, and an included armor storage/display box (yoroi bitsu) with stand. The attention to detail is a significant step up from the Kachi Class. However, due to the handcrafted nature of many parts, there may be some blemishes that pass through our QC process. Although we strive to avoid and correct these blemishes, they are a natural occurrence in handcrafting. Taisho Class suits will have fewer, if any, of these blemishes due to the high standards and meticulous review processes.

Select the color and finish for your Fukigaeshi (ears) of your kabuto.

If you would like to change the color of the BOTTOM PLATE of your Shikoro, you may select it here. If not it will match the option your provided above.(This option should only be chosen if you would like the neck plates to be a different color than those of the main Helmet.)

Select the color & finish your Sode Bottom Plates (Suso no ita) will be painted. (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)

Select to change the Kusazuri (Skirt) Color / Finish. (If left blank it will match the MAIN ARMOR COLOR option selected above.)

Select the Color & Finish your Kusazuri (Gessan) Bottom Plates.

Select the color used for the BOTTOM HORIZONTAL LACE, on ALL Bottom Hanging Plates. (If left blank MAIN LACE COLOR will be used) (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)