Expanding Japan Business

Business

Social Business

We propose social sustainability by preserving traditional technologies, heritage, and natural environments.
This includes activities to expand Made-in-Japan products.

KABUTO is Expanding Traditional Japanese Technology and Craftsmanship Overseas
KABUTO brings traditional Japanese skills and craftsmanship to an international audience, gaining popularity as souvenirs for travelers and gifts for important guests visiting Japan.

KABUTO brings traditional Japanese skills and craftsmanship to an international audience, gaining popularity as souvenirs for travelers and gifts for important guests visiting Japan.

甲冑

（Kacchu）

Japanese armor

The armor and helmets worn by Japanese samurai during the Sengoku and Edo periods are well-known symbols of Japanese warrior culture.
They captivate many foreign tourists as historical symbols and traditions of Japan.

Usage Scenarios

Popular as traditional Japanese souvenirs for foreign tourists.

Enhance brand value in hotel lobbies, lounges, and VIP rooms during stays in Japan.

Improve customer satisfaction through souvenirs and business-related gifts.

Craftsman

Tadayasu Okoshi

September 1, 1993 (Heisei 5)
Apprenticed to his father, Tadayasu Okoshi II, Yataro Okoshi

■Affiliations
Member of the Tokyo Armor Association
Member of the Japan Armor and Weapon Research Preservation Society
Member of the Tokyo Festival Doll Promotion Association
Member of the Saitama Festival Doll Promotion Association
Member of the Tokyo Hina Doll Industry Cooperative Association
Member of the Tokyo Traditional Craftsmen Association

■Qualifications
Certified Festival Doll Craftsman by the Japan Doll Association
Saitama Prefecture “Koshigaya Armor” Traditional Craftsman
Certified Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

■Awards
1994: Gold Award (“Deployment”) (Best Technical Award)
1995: Prime Minister’s Award for “Katawake” (15th Edition)
1996: Minister of Education Award for “Bamboo Sparrow Helmet” (15th Edition)
1999: Prime Minister’s Award for “Date Masamune” (1/3 Edition)
2000: Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for “Tokugawa Ieyasu” (1/3 Edition)
2001: Prime Minister’s Award for “Maeda Toshiie” (1/5 Edition)
2002: Prime Minister’s Award for “Habataki” (10th Edition)
2003: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for “Sansan” (12th Edition)
2004: Prime Minister’s Award for “Echigo Tiger” (7th Edition)
2009: Minister of Education Special Award for “Naoe Kanetsugu” (7th Edition)
2010: Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Commissioner’s Award for “Sanada Yukimura” (13th Edition)
2012: Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Special Award for “Shiraito Hi no Maru Armor” (1/5 Edition)
2013: Prime Minister’s Special Award for “Uesugi Kenshin” (12th Edition)
2014: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Special Award for “Golden Dragon Saint” (13th Edition)

(Previous Generation) Tadayasu Okoshi

Born: July 1, 1939, as the eldest son of the 18th generation Okoshi family in Higashi-Ogiku, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo.
Apprenticed to the first-generation Tadayasu Okoshi on April 1, 1955.

■Awards
1978: Prime Minister’s Award for “Kasuga” (13th Edition)
1981: Prime Minister’s Award for “Hon-Sitate” (12th Edition)
1987: Tokyo Governor’s Award for “Fukujyu” (12th Edition)
1993: Minister of Education Award for “Green Stone Two Colors” (10th Edition)
1994: Gold Award (“Deployment”) (Best Technical Award)
1995: Prime Minister’s Award for “Wakatake” (15th Edition)
1996: Minister of Education Award for “Bamboo Sparrow Helmet” (15th Edition)
1999: Prime Minister’s Award for “Date Masamune” (1/3 Edition)
2000: Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for “Tokugawa Ieyasu” (1/3 Edition)
2001: Prime Minister’s Award for “Maeda Toshiie” (1/5 Edition)
2002: Prime Minister’s Award for “Habataki Armor” (10th Edition)
2003: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for “Sansan” (12th Edition)
2004: Prime Minister’s Award for “Echigo Tiger” (7th Edition)

Reasons for Choosing Tadayasu’s Armor

Conveying the spirit of Japan through traditional craftsmanship

With over fifty years of tradition, Tadayasu Okoshi carries on the legacy of the first generation. The armor recreated by Tadayasu goes beyond being mere weaponry, elegantly embodying the spirit of Japanese people. Combining skills in metalwork, lacquer, dyeing, and leathercraft, it represents a comprehensive craft product. To faithfully reproduce this traditional craft in modern times, each piece is meticulously handmade with care and long years of expertise.

Detailed Historical Accuracy and Master Craftsman Skills

Tadayasu’s armor consistently receives high praise for its technical accuracy, driven by extensive experience and sincere passion for armor-making. His meticulous attention to historical accuracy, with in-depth research and examination of vast amounts of materials, ensures that every detail is reflected in the armor. This relentless dedication is evident in every piece.

Courage to Reject Compromise

Creating armor involves over 5,000 steps, with each component, such as the fittings, small plates, silk cords, brocade, and leather, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. The process involves multiple iterations until perfection is achieved. This courage to reject compromise underpins the excellence of Tadayasu’s armor.

Desire for Intelligence, Virtue, and Courage

During the Sengoku era, samurai who possessed wisdom, virtue, and courage were considered the ideal warriors. This also reflects Tadayasu’s aspiration. He hopes that through his armor-making, individuals will embody intelligence, virtue, and courage, leading a fulfilling life.

We offer original helmets and armor, including those inspired by historical figures
like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Date Masamune.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
We can arrange a visit to our showroom or bring the items to you for viewing.

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Protecting Japan’s Forests

We must cultivate trees for the children and future generations.
By using wood, we maintain forests and create a sustainable cycle of planting new trees.
Using wood allows us to nurture and protect forests.
Additionally, utilizing wood helps prevent global warming.
Forests absorb CO², and wood is often referred to as “canned carbon.”
Each one of us can help protect Japan’s forests and forestry by using domestic wood, thereby supporting the growth and preservation of our forests.

The Expansive Forest Surrounding Ise Jingu

The rich forest that surrounds Ise Jingu is known as the “Miyuiki Forest.”
In this forest, various trees are cultivated for the Shikinen Sengu, a ceremony held once every 20 years.
Among them, the highest quality cedar and cypress trees are called “Jingu Cedar” and “Jingu Cypress.”
These precious woods are only available to us on rare occasions due to special connections.
These cherished trees, carefully passed down through generations, carry with them the spirit of tradition, faith, and a deep sense of gratitude for the protection of nature.
Feel the mysterious connection to the gods through the Jingu Cedar and Jingu Cypress.

The Reason for Using Owase Hinoki

“Owase Hinoki” is grown in harsh environments, characterized by steep terrain and poor soil.
Despite the challenges, the trees are nurtured over long periods by skilled foresters.
However, the use of Owase Hinoki has decreased due to the rise in imported materials.
Without proper care, the forests deteriorate. To restore the vitality of these mountains, we must use the wood they provide.
This creates a cycle that helps protect the forests.
We use Owase Hinoki to revitalize the mountains and the local community.
*The century-old Owase Hinoki has been carefully polished over time by skilled craftsmen.

The Unique Flavor of Koya Maki

Koya Maki is a native evergreen conifer of Japan, valued since the Yayoi and Kofun periods for its timber.
Once widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, it now only grows in limited areas of Japan and South Korea’s Jeju Island due to climate changes.
In Japan, its distribution is confined from Fukushima Prefecture to Kyushu, and in some areas, it is listed on the Red List as an endangered species.
Koya Maki is known for its resistance to water and decay, as well as its refreshing and calming forest aroma that soothes and relaxes the mind.

Product Lineup

Sugi Tama

Approx. 180mm, Approx. 230mm

Lucky Mallet

Approx. 300mm, Approx. 150mm

Chopsticks

Perfect for complementing a special meal
As a takeaway gift after important events.

Power Tree (Bracelet)

Ideal for yourself
A loved one
As a souvenir

Torii

Bags (in development)

The Appeal of Wood

1.Environmental Contribution

CO² Absorption: Wood absorbs CO² during its growth, helping prevent global warming. Particularly, artificial forests play a vital role in this process.
Economic Cycle of Forests: Wood is an eco-friendly material, and by using it, we help maintain carbon fixation.

2.Mental Relaxation

Being surrounded by wood gives people a sense of calm.
Wood brings psychological comfort, and many find solace in envisioning wooden landscapes.

3.Wood Education

“Wood education” involves engaging with wood, learning about forests, and living by utilizing wood.
It fosters people who contribute to sustainable living and society.
It is gaining attention in schools and corporate CSR activities.

4.Characteristics of Wood

Wood softens sound and light while absorbing UV rays that affect the human body.
The spacing and variation of wood grain provide natural and pleasant stimulation to viewers.
Wood is deeply rooted in our lives, and rediscovering its charm helps build a sustainable lifestyle.

Through the charm of wood, we aim to “cherish culture and convey the spirit of wood”
while striving for an environmentally conscious society.
If your business is considering SDGs initiatives or looking to differentiate itself,
please feel free to consult with us.

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