Tanko Samurai Armor – Japan’s First Iron Battle Gear

Step into the Footsteps of Japan’s First Iron-Clad Soldiers

The Tankō Samurai Armor represents the dawn of iron protection in Japan’s military history. Dating back to the 4th century A.D., long before the rise of the samurai class, this armor was worn by elite foot soldiers. Its design marked a revolutionary leap forward in battlefield protection—constructed using ita-mono (iron plates) bound together with leather strips and later cotton ties, forming a unique lamellar construction that defined Japan’s earliest armored warfare.

Crafted with layered plates affixed to an iron frame, the early Tankō dō (cuirass) opened from the front and was secured with powerful cords. Though this original version required great strength—and often the help of assistants—to wear, later innovations introduced hinged sides for ease of dressing. The armor evolved with the addition of kusazuri (skirt plating) to defend the lower body, watagami (shoulder straps) to distribute weight & protect the shoulders, and kote (forearm guards) crafted from leather or iron.

Iron Mountain Armory recreates this piece with the same level of historical detail, using genuine iron, cotton, and leather. Every suit is handcrafted to reflect the traditional methods of construction, resulting in a functionally correct reproduction of Japan’s earliest warrior armor. Clothing garments are included, and each set can be sized & colored to your preferences.

Whether you’re a collector, historical reenactor, martial artist, or simply a modern warrior seeking to walk in the path of Japan’s earliest defenders—this armor delivers authenticity, presence & durability.

Key Features & Benefits:

Handcrafted from genuine iron, cotton & leather

Functional lamellar design based on 4th century Tankō tradition

Includes kote, watagami, kusazuri & early-style hinged dō

Comes with matching clothing garments for full display

Custom sizing, paint & lace color options available

Shipping Information:

Crafted by our apprentice Katchû-shi, please allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing & crafting. This historically inspired armor will be ready to ship soon.

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

Step into the Footsteps of Japan’s First Iron-Clad Soldiers

Key Features & Benefits:

Handcrafted from genuine iron, cotton & leather
Functional lamellar design based on 4th century Tankō tradition
Includes kote, watagami, kusazuri & early-style hinged dō
Comes with matching clothing garments for full display
Custom sizing, paint & lace color options available

Shipping Information:

Crafted by our apprentice Katchû-shi, please allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing & crafting. This historically inspired armor will be ready to ship soon.

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	14 kg
Dimensions	41 × 41 × 51 cm
Gift Card Value

2 reviews for Tanko Kachi Samurai Armor

1-2 of 2 reviews

…
Reviewer

December 24, 2013

Very impressive and accurate reproduction of historical armor from the museum. Very detailed and made very well.

(0) (0)
gorgeous armor
Reviewer

December 1, 2013

Absolutely gorgeous armor, far better than I expected! Armor quality and customer service is top notch!

(0) (0)

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Tanko Kachi Samurai Armor

Standard Options

Sizing Options

Accessory Options

Extra Customization Options

Advanced Paint Options

Step into the Footsteps of Japan’s First Iron-Clad Soldiers

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Description

Step into the Footsteps of Japan’s First Iron-Clad Soldiers

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Additional information

2 reviews for Tanko Kachi Samurai Armor

Q & A

Great News! 🎉

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

Select to have your Do (Front & Back) crafted WITH or WITHOUT Rivets. Image for reference only.

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)

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.

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 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.