日本武具研究
The Japanese Arms & Armor Archive
Nihon Bugu
Kenkyu
A scholarly archive dedicated to the study of Japanese swords, armor, fittings, and the material culture of the warrior class.
For historical, educational, and research purposes only.
The Study of Japanese Martial Equipment
Nihon Bugu Kenkyū studies Japanese martial equipment as art, craft, history, preservation, and material culture. The archive covers Nihontō, Yoroi, Kabuto, Tosōgu, Koshirae, Yari, Naginata, and related samurai arms and armor — not as weapons of combat, but as objects of scholarly investigation.
This site is educational and research-oriented. It does not provide martial instruction, combat training, or tactical guidance. Japanese arms and armor are presented as material culture — artifacts that illuminate history, technology, aesthetics, and the human stories behind their creation.
Explore the Archive
Nine core sections covering every aspect of Japanese arms and armor study.
Beginner Pathways
Three guided paths into the study of Japanese arms and armor, tailored to your interests.
Start Here: Beginner's Guide to Nihontō
Begin with the fundamentals — what a Nihontō is, how it is made, and the essential terminology for study.
Study Path: Armor & Material Culture
Explore samurai armor, helmets, arms, and the broader material culture of the warrior class.
Collector Path: Documentation & Preservation
Learn about papers, provenance, dealers, museums, display, and responsible collecting.
Educational Disclaimer