This Japanese samurai armour may look intimidating, but during the peaceful Edo period (1600–1868) armour like this was generally only used ceremonially. This example is made up of pieces constructed for different suits. It features a bulletproof breastplate and lacquered iron platelets held together with silk. http://ow.ly/OZKL303YmyY | British Museum

Did the Japanese use shields? Historically, the use of shields in Japanese warfare was not as prevalent as in many other cultures. During the feudal era, samurai typically favored mobility and offensive techniques over heavy armor and large shields. Instead of shields, they relied on their skill with weapons like the katana and their agility in combat. However, some types of smaller shields existed, such as the tate, often made of wood and used as a personal defense tool in specific contexts. Ad