Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine

Embodying the spirit of the samurai and making use of the cutting-edge technology of the timeThis is the oldest surviving complete set of o-yoroi-style armor, dating to the end of the Heian period. It weighs a total of 26 kg.
According to shrine records, it was dedicated as a votive offering in 1191 by Hatakeyama Shigetada.
O-yoroi was a formal suit of armor worn by high-ranking samurai. It is also known as shikisho-no yoroi (suit of armor for formal ceremonies).

*Heian period: 794 - 1185

O-yoroi embodying the tensions of the beauty of useAkaito Odoshi Yoroi had special functions to allow for the accurate firing of arrows on horseback. It is considered a fine example of o-yoroi and embodies the aesthetics of the Heian period nobility.
Eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, and tenth shogun Ieharu inspected the suit of armor at Edo Castle during the Edo period, and it was even mentioned in the Shukojisshu, published in 1800.

*The Shukojisshu is a catalog of antiquities and old works of art compiled by Matsudaira Sadanobu.

The pinnacle of traditional craftsmanshipThe o-yoroi is made from armor platelets of cowhide known as kozane, which are held together by string. The individual Kozane are small, but when layered they provide powerful protection without hampering mobility on the battlefield. They also form works of great beauty.

Crimson color preserved from 800 years agoThe old red string from the late Heian period has retained its bright crimson color to this day, while the faded red string is from 1903 when the suit of armor was restored.
This shows the superiority of the dyeing technology of the Heian period over that of the Meiji period.

A majestic-looking old-style helmetThe helmet, which protects the head, consists of the hachi and shikoro.
The hachi is an igaboshi helmet with rivets. The shikoro consists of plates on the back and sides of the helmet to protect the neck and shoulders of the wearer, while the sides curve gently around to protect the face.

The oldest complete o-yoroi that remains in Japan, symbolizing beauty and courage.The curved parts on the shikoro are called fukikaeshi. The front of the steel parts and the fukikaeshi were lined with deerskin decorated with beautiful patterns and chrysanthemum-shaped metal fittings.

The helmet was not only functional, but also testifies to the delicate elegance of noblemen in the Heian period. The suits of armor changed over time, to express in gorgeous ways the splendid bravery of the samurai.

Akaito Odoshi Yoroi, a votive offering deposited by ShigetadaBattle gear inherited from Hatakeyama Shigetada’s era is said to have been offered to Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine.
Standing before the Akaito Odoshi Yoroi today, the armor conjures up images of Shigetada's gallantry, who is also known for his devotion to the gods of Mt. Mitake in Musashi Province.

Hatakeyama Shigetada, the paragon of a samuraiHatakeyama Shigetada (1164 - 1205) was born to the family of the leader of Musashi Kokufu. He left his mark on history from the end of the Heian period through to the early Kamakura period. Shigetada became a retainer of Minamoto-no Yoritomo, and played a major role in the Kamakura shogunate as a vassal.
In the Azuma Kagami, a historical chronicle of the Kamakura shogunate, he is described as being a handsome and talented musician, with such strength that he could carry huge rocks.
During the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, famous for Miyamoto no Yoshitsune's Hiyodorigoe-no Sakaotoshi (surprise attack in Hiyodorigoe by running down a hill), he is said to have carried his precious horse down the cliff on his back so that it would not be injured.
He was called the paragon of a samurai for his dependable character.