"Hei An Ju Isui"
This is the fourth generation of the Imura family, with the current master, Imura Tatsujin, continuing the tradition. The Imura workshop began making Kyoto armor, originally specializing in fabric production for Kyoto armor, founded by Zenjiro Imura. The workshop has gained renown in the Kyoto armor world, inheriting traditional techniques from the second-generation master, Seiji Sawai, and the third-generation master, Masao Imura, both of whom are highly celebrated. While preserving these traditional skills, the unique evolving style of the workshop offers a graceful impression that contrasts with the robust image typically associated with armor, giving viewers a sense of elegance and flexibility.

Imura is recognized as a Kyoto armor traditional craftsman certified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. To date, he has exhibited numerous works at various exhibitions, including the National Craftsman Competition, earning high praise. He is one of Kyoto’s leading armorers.

Historically, armor was imbued with various meanings: as a symbol of status, honor, and dignity, as well as a guardian for prosperity of descendants. Even as times change, the armor crafted by Isui carries the wish for children’s healthy growth and success. It is believed to protect until they grow into fine adults. Moreover, this spirit is passed down through armor from parent to child, and from child to grandchild, through generations.

The city of Heian, known for its clear streams and lush mountains, is where this tradition originates. Like the water flowing steadily from the eastern foothills of Mount Higashiyama, the spirit of the armor is to flow naturally without resistance, pouring into the eternal and vast ocean. With the hope that one can live generously and nobly, the name "Isui" (meaning "one water") was chosen.

Originally, the armor features red thread embroidery (Aka Ito Odoshi), but it has been recreated in a color very close to the hue of the embroidery stored at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, using yellow herringbone thread embroidery.

The lion (shishi) has been regarded as an auspicious symbol since ancient times. It is considered a good omen, serving as a guardian for gates and doors, and as a talisman to ward off evil and protect from misfortune. It is one of Japan’s representative armors, alongside the Taketsune armor, which is designated as a National Treasure.

**Decorative features include:**
- Painted leather with "Karajishi Botan" pattern (Chinese lion and peony) using鹿革 (deer leather)
- Gold-plated decorative metal fittings: plum blossoms and bush warblers (uguisu)

The color of the Emperor’s robes, called Kōrozome (yellow herringbone dye), has been expressed as it has faded over many years, representing the original hue. This special color is dyed based on the concept of "Koshiki" (antique color), which considers even the faded, burnt-out colors of pure silk to be beautiful.

**Note:**
- The highest quality, fully-lined helmet (Toshibukuro Kabuto): Unlike most helmets with convex and concave surfaces on the shikoro (neck guard), this helmet’s entire shikoro back is finished flat and is thicker than usual.

Each child's festival doll, which serves as a guardian, is carefully crafted in Japan through close collaboration with artisans. We are committed to improving quality so that it can be cherished for a long time, wishing for the healthy growth and prosperity of the child.

For bows and arrows, feathers are mainly selected from birds with beautiful patterns. Sometimes, plain white feathers from waterfowl (ducks) with printed patterns are used. The types include owls, golden chickens, and pheasants. Among these, the most rare and beautiful is the "hawk." The hawk is considered a symbol of the samurai spirit, admired for its noble appearance, strength, and bravery.

In arrow feathers, hawk (raptor) feathers were regarded as a mark of a warrior’s refinement, reflecting the owner’s dignity and symbolizing martial valor, permitted only to high-ranking samurai. Ordinary soldiers used mixed feathers. Even soldiers 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 items on backorder, made-to-order products, or orders placed during store or shipping company closures may not arrive by the scheduled delivery date. Delivery may also be delayed due to weather conditions or maritime, land, or air transportation issues.
- The dimensions and weight of boxes vary depending on the product.
- Small items on our website typically weigh around 1,000 grams.
- Large helmets and armor are generally around 20,000 grams.
- The sizes listed on the website refer to the actual dimensions of the products.