The haramaki is a type of body armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. Developed during the later Heian period (794–1185) and becoming prominent during the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Muromachi (1336–1573) periods, it was originally designed as a lightweight alternative to the more cumbersome ō-yoroi (great armour).
Etymology and Design
The term is derived from the Japanese words hara (belly) and maki (wrap), describing its function as a wrap-around protector for the torso. The haramaki is structurally distinguished by its closure system: unlike the dō-maru, which fastens on the right side, the haramaki wraps around the body and fastens at the center of the back.
It was typically constructed from small scales of iron or leather (kozane) or larger plates (ita-mono). These components were lacquered to prevent rust and laced together using silk or leather cords (odoshi). Because it was designed for infantry combat, the haramaki lacked the heavy, boxy structure of cavalry armour, allowing for greater mobility on foot.
Historical Evolution
Initially, the haramaki was used by lower-ranking foot soldiers (ashigaru). However, as the nature of Japanese warfare shifted from mounted archery to large-scale infantry engagements, higher-ranking warriors began to adopt the style for its practical advantages. When worn by high-ranking samurai, the haramaki was often supplemented with large shoulder guards (sode), a helmet (kabuto), and armored sleeves (kote).
A notable feature of the haramaki is the se-ita (back plate). Because the armor fastened in the back, it left a vertical gap that was vulnerable to attack. To mitigate this, a narrow, separate plate was often tied over the closure. In later centuries, this piece was colloquially referred to as the "coward’s plate" (okubyō-ita), based on the notion that a warrior facing the enemy should not require protection on his back.
Transition
By the Sengoku period (1467–1615), the haramaki was largely superseded by the tosei-gusoku (modern armour), which incorporated solid plates and more advanced protection against firearms. Despite its decline in military utility, the haramaki remains a significant development in the evolution of Japanese defensive equipment, marking a transition toward more functional, infantry-oriented protection.