Tadayasu Armor Made by Okoshi Chu Mfg., Inc. – The Best Art
Okoshi Chu Mfg., Inc., which is a traditional Edo armor making company, was established in 1964. Since then, it has made armors for May dolls, which are displayed to wish for boys’ health and growth on Boys’ Day (May 5th). The company is located in Miyamoto-cho in Koshigaya city, Saitama Prefecture.
The armors are made by gathering traditional skills across Japan, such as goldwork, woodwork, Kyoto textile, braid or leather craft. In the 5000 processes, more than 100 craftsmen are engaged. The armors are called “Koshigaya Armor” in Koshigaya city, and they were designated as a Saitama’s traditional craftwork in 1996. A product called “Bottle Armor”, which is a decoration for Japanese sake or wine, is also popular in foreign countries.