I have been studying Japanese armour for over 30 years. One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced is the lack of English-language resources on the subject. The few books that do exist often focus exclusively on museum-quality pieces, which can create a misleading impression of the samurai class as a whole. I’ve even come across modern illustrations of battlefield scenes where the artist, perhaps unknowingly, depicted daimyo-grade armour being worn by common foot soldiers.

To promote a more accurate and realistic understanding of Japanese armour in the West, I regularly publish a series of in-depth studies titled SAMURAI. Each volume focuses on a specific type of armour, supported by detailed explanations and an illustrated glossary. All technical terms are provided in both Japanese and English to facilitate easier learning and familiarisation.

Wherever possible, I use live models to present the armour in a human context, helping to portray each suit as it might have appeared when worn by its original owner.