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This suit of armor was introduced on Japan's BS Asahi program, 'Inherited Divine Techniques: Japan Traditional Craft Art.' This show showcases master artisans (maestros) who inherit Japan's traditional culture and techniques. The program was broadcasted to broadly recognize and document the traditions of artisans, including historical, cultural, and technical aspects, that they pass down.

Armor, known as 'kacchū' in Japanese, is the attire worn by samurai when facing the battlefield. This attire represents the status, prestige, and authority of the warrior. The samurai armor, as attire, has been considered an artistic work symbolizing the warrior culture and has been passed down through the hands of artisans in Japan from the 10th century to the present 21st century.

In Japan, there is the 'Sōma Nomaoi' festival, which vividly conveys the image of brave warriors to the contemporary era. It is said to have originated from the early brave general, Taira no Masakado, who left a mark as a samurai in Japanese history. For a thousand years, the 'Sōma Nomaoi' festival, where participants wear armor symbolizing the warrior culture and parade through the streets, reminds us of the valiant warriors of the past.

In the central location of the 'Sōma Nomaoi' festival, Minamisōma City, Fukushima Prefecture, there is a workshop established by Mr. Abe Mitsuo of the Iwai school, one of the few in the country to inherit the traditional techniques of crafting armor.

Having apprenticed under Mr. Yoshihiko Sasama, a foremost historian of armor and weaponry during that time, Mr. Abe acquired top-notch knowledge and skills as an armor craftsman. Recognizing his proficiency, and with the revival of the Iwai family of armor craftsmen in mind—an art that had been dormant since the Meiji era—he was bestowed the name "Iwai Mitsutomi” by his mentor, Mr. Yoshihiko Sasama.

Now the sole legitimate modern armor craftsman of the Iwai school, Master "Iwai Mitsutomi," transcending the moment when divine skill was infused into the armor, carries forward the dignity of life and the honor of a samurai.

The restoration of "Honkozane Konito Odoshi Domaru" by Master Iwai Mitsutomi from the Iwai school, a repair of work by the Myochin school, is a remarkable piece. Amidst the prevalence of lightweight replica works, this armor, meticulously repaired entirely by hand using carefully selected traditional materials, revives the spirit of armor craftsmen from the 17th century (Edo period) in the modern era.

The history of armor in Japan is quite ancient. Wooden armor from the Yayoi period has been excavated, and over time, both the technology and forms of armor have evolved. The organization of craftsmen, known as armorsmiths or "kacchu-shi," began in the Edo period. They were employed by daimyos and other feudal lords to produce armors for their clans, and these artisans became known as "Oie-ryu." The five major schools that have been passed down to the present day are the "Haruta-ha," “Myochin-ha," "Saotome-ha," "Iwai-ha," and "Yukinoshita-ha." Among them, a contemporary armorsmith who follows the tradition of the Iwai school is Mr. Mitsuo Abe.

The Iwai school became one of the most prestigious schools of armor craftsmen during the Edo period. Enjoying the favor of the Tokugawa family, they were responsible for crafting armor. They undertook the repair and restoration of precious armor, some of which are now designated as national treasures. Notable examples include the ancient armor of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, the ‘Kurokawa Odoshi Domaru' of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, and the ‘Kozakuragawa Kigaeshi Odoshi Oyoroi' of Sugata Tenjin Shrine. The Iwai school is regarded as a distinguished lineage among armor craftsmen, having excelled in the repair and preservation of valuable armors that are now national treasures.

Japanese Armor is composed of over 3,000 parts, meticulously crafted from materials such as leather, iron, braids, rivets, lacquer, and engraving, intricately assembled to form a complete suit. The scope of work spans a wide range, depending on the areas requiring repair and the construction details.

Armor that has transcended history naturally undergoes deterioration, and it is not uncommon to dismantle the entire suit to repair a single part. As an armor craftsman, it is impossible to perform repairs without a broad knowledge of various schools and traditional techniques. The ability to revive the spirit of armor craftsmen from the Edo period, spanning over 400 years, is attributed to the meticulous selection of rare materials, unwavering dedication, spending an immense amount of time engaging with each piece of armor, and the soul of a master craftsman who answers each challenge with divine skill. Through this clash and fusion, the craftsman breathes life into the armor, elevating it to a unique and unparalleled existence.

The fusion of history and divine skill can truly be considered the essence of authentic value.