Armor making requires traditional handcrafting techniques and materials that have been passed down through generations. If these are sourced from overseas, it may be possible to lower the price.

However, the finished products may end up being less valuable than the reduced price suggests.

Since the era of previous generations, we have built mutual trust with skilled artisans. Recently, however, many artisans have closed their businesses, leading to concerns about the loss of traditional techniques.

Handmade production naturally results in small quantities, which inevitably increases the price. Nevertheless, there are customers who purchase and cherish these items, which motivates us daily.

We truly appreciate the relationships we have with such customers.

**Kiyonobu Awataguchi**
A swordsmith from Kyoto’s Awataguchi, descending from the Sannomaru Kaji Munekazu tradition. The renowned master, Sannomaru Kaji Munekazu, crafted the national treasure "Mikazuki Munechika" and is enshrined at the subsidiary shrine "Kaji Shrine" of Awata Shrine in Awataguchi.

Following the Haijo (sword ban) order, we transitioned to creating armor using the skills cultivated in metalworking.
Awataguchi Kiyonobu’s armor is characterized by craftsmanship that is consistently handmade with meticulous attention to detail.

In 1989 (Heisei 1), he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In 2001 (Heisei 13), he received the "Kyoto Meiko" award for outstanding traditional industry skills in Kyoto Prefecture.

He is a distinguished master representing Kyoto’s armor industry, with numerous outstanding achievements in various competitions.

In addition to the lacquered small plates, the helmet’s matching bowl is also finished with genuine lacquer.

**Note:**
*Exquisite Fully Lined Kabuto (Helmet):*
While most helmets have a convex and concave surface on the shikoro (neck guard), this helmet’s entire reverse side is finished flat and is thicker than usual.

We create each piece of festival dolls, which serve as protective charms for children, with a strong commitment to Japanese manufacturing, working closely with artisans on each piece.
We aim to produce items that can be displayed for many years, wishing for the healthy growth of children, and we strive to improve quality continuously.

**Kataoka Byobu Shop**
The only shop in Tokyo specializing in folding screens.
Since its founding in 1946 in Sumida, Tokyo, it has specialized in manufacturing screens for festivals, hotel venues, and decorations.
The shop also operates a folding screen museum and offers experience workshops to preserve and promote the culture of folding screens.
A company dedicated to passing down the traditional beauty of Japan through folding screen craftsmanship.

The feathers used in bows and swords are mainly selected from birds with beautiful patterns.
Sometimes, plain white feathers from waterfowl (ducks) are printed with beautiful designs.
The types include owls, golden chickens, pheasants, and others.

Among these, the most rare and beautiful is the "hawk."
Hawks are considered symbols of the samurai spirit, admired for their noble appearance, strength, and bravery.
In arrow feathers, hawk (raptor) feathers were regarded as a mark of a warrior’s refinement, symbolizing honor and martial valor, and were reserved for high-ranking samurai.

Ordinary soldiers used miscellaneous feathers.
Even soldiers who were shot in battle considered hawk feathers to be noble, feeling a sense of honor from the feathers of their opponents.

**Notice Regarding Size and Weight:**
- Shipping estimate: Ships approximately 10 to 20 days after order acceptance.
- Orders for out-of-stock items, made-to-order products, or orders placed during transportation company or store closures may not arrive by the scheduled delivery date.
- Delivery may be delayed due to weather conditions or transportation issues.
- The dimensions and weight vary depending on the product.
- Small items on our website typically weigh around 1,000 grams.
- Large helmets and armor are roughly 20,000 grams.
- The sizes listed on the website refer to the actual dimensions of the products.