A new study paper on Japanese armour of the Kantō during the late 16th century

[Luca Bottazzi]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share my latest research effort on Japanese arms and armor of the eastern regions during the Tenshō era.

 

I have been active online over the past years with the pen name Gunsen History, but this time I decided to sign it as I am particularly proud of it. I teamed up with an artist in the effort of illustrating what a high-end Samurai of the eastern regions would have look liked in terms of equipment during the years 1575-85. 

 

While the work is filled with references and sources, I wanted to present it as my study notes so that it can be used to create discussions on the topic.

 

It is around 60 pages long and it can be seen and downloaded for free on Academia-edu.

 

https://www.academia.edu/115026184/Tōgoku_No_Bugu_東国の武具_Study_Notes_An_essay_on_the_gear_of_a_Samurai_from_the_Tōgoku_regions_during_the_Tenshō_era

 

 

P.s. Any feedback is of course welcomed! I have already received some useful notes that will be integrated in the 2nd edition of the work in the future.

[Arthur G]

Great to see you on here Luca!

Highly recommend everyone give this one a read, I think it'll be a real joy. There's a lot in here to take in, and some things really floored me that I hadn't seen before.

For example, who knew that the Hojo were more serious in their implementation of shock cavalry than even the Takeda were? 

[chris covington]

A great paper. I’m glad to see real academic works. 

[Luca Bottazzi]

Thank you both!!

I tried to put my latest efforts in research over the last 2 years more or less, although writing only took few months. It required a lot of patients and seeing a lot of helmets and armor pieces, as well as translating old and new Japanese books and articles.

 

I hope it can generate more interest and discussion on the topic!

[Luc T]

Indeed an interesting study. Well done.

[Luca Bottazzi]

Thank you Luc! I apprecciate that.

 

In the mean time I am collecting feedback and suggestions to improve a following version/edition which is the benefit of having an online "publication" like this one.