The Strangest and Most Beautiful Samurai Helmets - Kawari Kabuto

A big list and show of some of the most impressive and peculiar samuri helmets ever made.
Japanese helmets dating from the fifth century have been found in excavated tombs. The kabuto was an important part of the equipment of the samurai, and played a symbolic role as well, which may explain the Japanese expressions, sayings and codes related to them. One example is Katte kabuto no o o shimeyo (lit. "Tighten the string of the kabuto after winning the war"). A typical kabuto features a central dome constructed of anywhere from three to over a hundred metal plates riveted together. These were usually arranged vertically, radiating from a small opening in the top.
Kabuto are often adorned with crests called datemono or tatemono; the four types of decorations were the maedate (frontal decoration), wakidate (side decorations), kashiradate (top decoration), and ushirodate (rear decoration).
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[@edi9892]

Look someone spent all his prestige points on his helmet and now he doesn't fit through the door...

[@sevenproxies4255]

edi: No self-respecting warlord would be caught dead at any domicile where the door doesn't fit his majestic armour and helmet. B-)

[@edi9892]

True, but still, other buildings might be a problem....

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

edi Then he doesn't need to go there. It's beneath him! ;-)

[@impatientsamurai6202]

Seven Proxies technically Fusuma are wide enough when the slide open to technically allow a large crowd in by opening only two, so I can’t think it would be that hard

[@nseven1117]

@@MichaelBerthelsen literally

[@michaeljohnston490]

Samurai armor is normally displayed as historical artifacts rather than art, despite their superb craftsmanship. Luckily, one time in my hometown an art museum set up a samurai armor exhibit purely as a demonstration of it's art merit. Quite possibly the coolest exhibition I've ever seen

[@pastorhershman5936]

Yet but even each and every Katana is considered a work of art in Japan. I know this because I have filled out the forms provided by the Japanese government to import antique Katanas to the United States.

[@OmarSlloum]

2:25 is the most beautiful one, who's with me on this?

[@ErnestKhamilov]

hope palestine wil be free one day

[@Enis617]

Facts

[@Captain_Vitorio_Muscovy]

5:34 When a katana is not enough to defeat an enemy, Headbutt them.

[@proudtitanicdenier4300]

4:18 this brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "I sexually identify as an attack helicopter"

[@KebaRPG]

TheBeetle That was a dragonfly it only looks like propellers because the artist chose to represent the wings moving independently (as dragonflies actually move each wing in vertical figure eight patterns for hovering) instead of symmetrically.

[@XellDincht]

i do wonder if he could fly with this helmet

[@princekrazie]

WELL CONSIDERING THIS IS JAPAN SO PROBABLY YES

[@TheCrankyCow]

go go gadget copter

[@DanJay1996]

Take-off imminent!

[@MsErtwer]

Nothing more scary then someone with an octopus on his head. 03:03 Oh hey, Gandhi. :)

[@samiamtheman7379]

Nothing says "ready for war" like the face of Gandhi

[@KBKim-jt6uj]

lmao

[@dsuperhawk]

I'm sure he was popular with the ladies.

[@MsErtwer]

@@dsuperhawk I'm dead, don't reply.

[@sbald]

I cannot be the only one to read the title as "Kawaii Kabuto"... The angry rabbit head at 2:20 is ridiculous. I love it! However, my favourite was the one with the red mask that came immediately after.

[@lau_taro0037]

That rabbit looks like Epitaph from Jojos

[@mattlazer640]

2:05 looks like perfect cell

[@brothatscrazy3418]

Some of the helms were not bad but others were like please grab me, I want to have my neck snapped

[@metatronyt]

Ahahahah that made me laugh xD

[@princekrazie]

One of the helmets had a Buddhist Prayer written on them. It looks huuuge! How can he move in that, even if it's just for a parade??? Also, were any Buddhist Samurai? I thought they liked killing, which is against Buddhism.

[@brothatscrazy3418]

PRINCE KRAZIE I have no clue man

[@princekrazie]

IT APPEARS AT 5:09 AND HAS南无阿弥陀佛 WRITTEN ON IT.

[@brothatscrazy3418]

PRINCE KRAZIE What does that say for those who are not linguistically inclined.

[@TheJavaMonkey]

Man... some truly beautiful works of art.

[@fodassenaosei]

The octopus one is freakin cool!

[@countc44]

I agree! It is also one that felt particularly Japanese. Though that may have been the result of mentally attributing modern cultural aspects to it (Japanese tentacles, etc). Either way, it is still a most impressive piece of art!

[@momololo3223]

They are always been sexually attracted to octopus. Even scientists can't figure out why.

[@arpioisme]

2:19 KILLER RABBIT!!!!! MEDIEVAL KILLER RABBIT IS ACTUALLY A SAMURAI!!!

[@gunnerr8476]

Throw the Holy Hand Grenade!

[@DreamIncorporation]

Yes, He's called Miyamoto Usagi! :D (aka Usagi Yojimbo)

[@Chris-jo1zr]

I saw that helmet in Hikone castle, Now that's a damn fine castle to visit!

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Afnan Zahran and the number thou shalt count is three.

[@Ezyasnos]

Antioch is far far away though :o

[@joaosturza]

"NOTICE ME DAIMEOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

[@hjorturerlend]

Oh dear... :D

[@aletaris]

I've just got to that part)

[@youngmoney4693]

No no it NOTICE ME DAAAAIIIIMYYOOOOO-SENPAI you need the Senpai

[@TheHelpful2]

Not bad, I prefer the kabuto with the red mask on 2:24.

[@Niko-rt3wi]

死野子遊助 i like that one too

[@dr.cliche7560]

That was my favourite, too. It's a very vivid design and also very aesthetically pleasing. It also looks like it might actually be functional (unlike many of the other helmets).

[@JustGrowingUp84]

I second that. While most of these look pretty ridiculous, that one is both pretty and looks genuinely fierce.

[@HelenKellerDenier]

that was also my favorite by far

[@KirillTheBeast]

Red Oni face FTW

[@Lord_Epsilon]

I love how you're putting a lot of effort to improve your already really good channel, keep up the good work Raff!

[@TheMimeGogo]

You answered a question that haunted me for the better part of 2 years. During my last visit to Kyoto in 2018, I happened across a nice antiquities shop that sold all sorts of items. One of the most prized objects for sale was a fairly modest Kabuto, with no recognizable kamon. At first I thought, did this belong to Ashigaru? Or some lower class family? When I ask the shop keeper how old it was, he said it came from the Edo Jidai. Then I was like... whuuuuu when how? why?? Wasnt the age of heavy armour over by then??? I couldn't grasp my head around it, and in fact - i was suspicious that the shop was selling a nicely done fake, trying to sell stuff to ignorant foreigners who didnt know the difference between a Tachi and a Katana. Lol this idea slept in my mind up until I moved to Stockholm last year, where they have an Eastern Culture Exhibit in one of their museums... and guess what? On display, they have a full Samurai Armor set behind glass, very beautiful and intricate, but no recognizable noble Kamon, and once again from the Edo Jidai.... Dude, thank you... so Edo Jidai Samurai gear, and weaponry were more like commissioned pieces of art that could be worn... Is still possible these days to find something from the Sengoku Jidai? Or anything that has seen combat?

[@siddislikesgoogle]

2:26 what a beauty

[@wearequeensroad]

Please make the video on how society worked in feudal Japan - I love your channel dude, your content is awesome and honestly the best content I've found on weaponry and armour anywhere on youtube, and I've watched videos from channels about the subject with 500K + subscribers and yours is by far the best, most informative, most knowledgeable content and you can really see that you know what you're talking about, I love it bro! If I could choose any channel to watch an in-depth analysis of feudal japan on, it'd be yours. Here's me voting to see that feudal Japan video! About to watch your comparison of the feder and shinai, was thinking about making some shinai with my son or buying us a few, your videos are much appreciated! Much respect dude

[@biohazard724]

Are we really ignoring the fact that Meta has a phone that allows him to speak to the dead?

[@gravygamingza7323]

Some of these helmets look like they belong in power rangers XD

[@kwokwailok8524]

GravyGaming ZA. of course, power ranger is somehow a. japanese sendai series' remake version?

[@joekong2507]

@@kwokwailok8524 w×

[@kaderdao1335]

And pokemon

[@OutlawMaxV]

10:10 Samurai did "Notice me senpai" before it was cool I hoped you would explain the reasoning behind some of these, like the dragonfly helmet, the rabbit helmet and even the tadpole looking one, cant see one of those trying to look fearsome unless it has something to do with the folklore

[@CzornyLisek]

Rabbit/hare are in folklore all around word. In Japan/China/Korea there are multiples legends with them. Also Rabbits/Hares in Asia live on moon/are moon/some other kind of god/demons. To be fair in Asia like every single thing(live or not) is connected to folklore/gods/demons.

[@nanba009]

Flying Spaghetti Monster dragonflies were called 勝ち虫 (triumphant bug) by samurai, because they never fly backwards. So samurai preferred using this motif.

[@kwokwailok8524]

Azuki Island And also dragonfly is the symbol of first tenno jimmu tenno(in legend),in some book also said jimmu tenno also describe japan's shape just like a dragonfly.....

[@nanba009]

Kwok Chun Wah oh my you're more knowledgeable than I am, now I'm in the know.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

lmfao i just picture some samurai in armor slipping his friend a note that says in b4 notice me sempai

[@turmat01]

2:25 is SICK! I love it! very honorable mentions for 3:20, 4:50 and 7:50. But 2:25 is just out of this world beautiful! and that face plate... GOD! That faceplate!!!

[@sasajugovic5618]

Man...LOVE IT...Very nice video and especially,crazy looking helmets of Samurai dark Force ! ! !

[@DamnedEyez]

Having been playing Nioh for the past few weeks, and seeing "Kawari Kabuto" in some of the helmet descriptions, this video just fits right in.

[@paladintoasty1496]

Woah, I wasn't expecting that last suit of armour, your most favorite to be more specific. Were those horns? If so they are gigantic. I'd be scared to next century if I saw a samurai wearing that in the forest. Very beautiful and fearful.

[@ohasis8331]

Some gorgeous pieces in there. Particulalry liked #1. Thanks for your trouble.

[@pastorhershman5936]

They are all very beautiful and awe inspiring. God bless you for all you do and all you teach. I truly appreciate all your very hard work!

[@maxflorian89]

Your content is breathtaking.

[@judithwatson6859]

Beautiful and artistic, some even look a bit whimsical. They are gorgeous.

[@KillerTacos54]

I'm such a big fan of the Samurai and they fascinate me so much, even more so than Knights (complete personal preference, knights are a very, very close second though) so I absolutely love it and get ecstatic when I see you make these videos

[@gothkrix]

What you describe around 17:00 min about imagining the scary samurai coming from fog is exactly what they did in The Last Samurai, which might I add worked really well and really gives that scary feeling to the samurai, in fact when I was a child I really was afraid of the samurai armor, I remember a game I had (Ninja Gaiden I think was the name) and there was a part in which I had to get an item from a samurai armor and I hated doing that part because of the scary armor. Now I love these armors but they can indeed strike fear into you.

[@AnthonyBerkshire]

I never really saw this before. Thank you. Really fascinating. Would like to see them on somebody.

[@albinotatertot]

Love the symmetry of the helmet at 4:30, it's probably my favorite. I also really love the one at 3:27.

[@gawayne1374]

Japan, cosplaying since the 16th century

[@chaoscowboy189]

6:54 is my favorite, I love scary and morbid designs.

[@MiguelCastro-ow5ho]

I liked the 2:25, the octopus one and the butterfly one

[@wolfhead21]

Saying that samurai looked darker compared to European knights in plate armor, I am not too sure about that. There are quite a few examples of gothic plate armor where the armor was darkened to blackened which together with the crests make for a damn terrifying look.

[@mo45327]

I have seen some of these in the Stibbert Museum. Great video!

[@camelx162]

love Ur content keep up the work!

[@metatronyt]

Thanks I will!

[@SeanCStark]

The height on the helmets allowed the soldiers, in a field of chaos to see their general. And that he was still alive, there directing...

[@Hawky610]

Seems like you need a trained neck to wear one of these helmets. ^^ Especialy those with oversized figures on top. I imagine them as very heavy.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Thomas Wolfensen I suspect you rarely bowed forward for any reason while using these, especially the big ones... The people who could afford these were pretty high on the foodchain...

[@Hawky610]

You are totaly wrong with your "suspection". Also this comment is complete nosence.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Thomas Wolfensen My... suspicion? Why is it "totaly wrong"(sic)? And the people who wore these were ranking samurai wanting to be noticed by the highest generals or the Shogun. As Raph mentions in the video, they were mostly for parades and displays at banquets. At what point during these activities would you (while seated) bow your head to such an extent as to knock you off balance? They took the helmets off when bowing to the Shogun or Emperor, you know...

[@krisztianpovazson4535]

Thomas Wolfensen They were mostly papermache.

[@samiamtheman7379]

The oversized figures were likely made from a much lighter material than the rest of their helmet.

[@patrickstewart3446]

I personally liked the "Demon Rabbit" (or would that be Usagi Oni?) helmet myself. I also thought I saw a helmet Tokugawa Ieyasu is typically depicted wearing in art and videogames. :)

[@funnyowerplayer]

The kabuto in the first photo is Gamo Ujisato's kabuto. We call "enbinarikabuto". It has a swallow motif.

[@patrickbrown859]

Great video

[@kirkcash8597]

good work !

[@devincrave7067]

Great way to start the day.

[@yoshisuke3039]

Well, some of the helmets shown in this video are from Sengoku/Azuchi-Momoyama jidai. The very first one is a reproduction of Gamo Ujisato's (who died before the Edo jidai), the one at 3:15 is attributed to Tokugawa Ieyasu, at 4:10 it's Uesugi Kenshin's as well as the ones at 6:25 and 6:55. A reproduction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's at 7:19, Todo Takatora's at 7:30. It is likely they were worn on the battlefield. Some were even used as battle standards. And famous warriors renowned for their armors and battle exploits gave birth to family styles like the Ii's, Hosokawa's, Honda's or Kuroda's. Their roots are in battle not just decorations and parade.

[@paigethornton8292]

by the power of lu bu!! great video brotha!

[@waynejohnson2894]

Nice!! Job well done!!

[@silverseto1158]

Enjoyed this video very much, would you do something similar for European armor, or armor of other cultures?

[@josuelservin2409]

Silver Seto That would be really interesting, I certainly have seen some WEIRD things from Europe

[@themuffinman6942]

when he is talking about samurai were dark and shady, a thing I can relate to is the fog scene from The Last Samurai, that scene sends chills down my spine

[@Lord_Unicorn]

16:50 Yep....that was exactly when for the first time Joseon saw Japanese troops in Battle of Busan terrifying as hell

[@Japolonga]

メタトロンの大ファンです！ これからも頑張って下さいね！

[@evan7337]

I've actually seen the dragonfly helmet at the MIA. Good video!

[@linjason2238]

I really love the "AI"(Love) Kabuto wore by Naoe Kanetsugu!

[@jackandhislantern2603]

Amazingly good content

[@Valdo0511]

The one at 2:24 is just too good. What a beauty!

[@rameyzamora1018]

Would you do a video on the cloaks that Japanese cavalry used to divert arrows? Saw this in the History channel once and was intrigued. Would love to hear from a cognoscenti about Samurai/Japanese armor. Thank you.

[@MrFredstt]

These are all pretty cool

[@michelguevara151]

Miyamoto Musashi? mr unbeatable himself? a fan? XD wow, these are magnificent , Raffi, thank you for sharing

[@Lord_Epsilon]

4:08 I remember that Debunk video (Bow vs Crossbow) in which Metatron joked about knights wearing chestplates as helmets.

[@sirzekky6078]

I was thinking it would be cool if you tried to preform some of the moves that the Kensei from For honor does(he' s the one with nodachi). thanks! :)

[@tiavor]

when looking through compilations I always find the doubles :D 6:11 -> 3:39 7:27 -> 6:22

[@CrudeConduct666]

The dragonfly one was my favorite xD I was quite glad you agreed.

[@nicholasschoonbeck6866]

do have a link to any sort of collection I could draw from? These are so cool. Ridiculous but cool

[@barriewright2857]

Amazing, truly or some and to think they are simbles, of war, and to me look like art.

[@TheSigurdsson]

When you can't tell the difference between a Bosozoku Nissan and a suit of Edo armour! Some truly amazing pieces

[@jadeekelgor2588]

The shell helmets seem most impenetrable. But the angry masks, i just love...shades of berzerkers.

[@godtoHrD]

The spiky snail shell one was neat-o

[@xpavpushka]

I liked the presentation. Please add info and photos from other angles next time. Thank you.

[@vksasdgaming9472]

That monstrous thing at 2:23 is my favorite. It looks absolutely horrifying and its decorations are not excessive so it looks very functional as well. That kind of helmet is work by self-proclaimed murderous bandit-become-warlord when he and his closest cronies burn yet another settlement to ground after thorough looting, raping and murdering.

[@Oversamma]

What do you think of the armor sets in the game Nioh? Would be great if you were to review some of them, especially Tachibana Muneshige's set :D

[@matthiasolesko16]

Hello Metatron I have a question Have you read the book Samurai from Chirs Bradford if yes i would like to hear what you think of it

[@mizukageninja8819]

That is awesome & cold

[@fukbrettfarve]

awesome vid man. my favorite one is at 2:25

[@hanchiman]

I think the famous Samurai warrior Honda Tadatatasku really did wear his Deer Antlered Helmet in the battlefield as he claim it will strike fear to the enemies since he is a famous warrior.

[@Iriefame]

6:11 going to look very scary if worn with a mask, since the eyes of the sides represent the eyes of the wearer, plus that goblin on top is going to add to the "madness factor" while people are slain. I also have a request from the Metatron, I would like to see a video on (weird)Japanese Masks, and maybe explain their usage and origin, it's rather interesting to even compare masks from other cultures too.

[@qfrostbite5041]

Quite a few of these are available for samurai in For Honor now that it's fully released, as "ornaments." Never would've thought they were based on real (if not practical) examples!

[@rescue00751]

Heyhey, what’s your intro music? Thanks for the video. Cheers

[@lemursteaks]

Nice Nodachi

[@illushionx37221]

That is actually very devilish helmets nice

[@xandolf2852]

I don't know why, but the simple look of the one at 5:00 is something I dig. I dunno why, but the mask itself is maniacal looking, and i like how the hair kinda looks like hey from a barn. I dunno how you could even see out of it though.

[@ambiguousasian177]

good video, may me a follow up video on how these where made

[@stanneubert4911]

Impressive headgear, there is a samuri helmet in the Peabody Essex Museum in eastern Massachusetts that has a crouching rabbit on top. It is one fierce looking bunny.

[@kunstsein]

They may not be practical armor but they are indeed brimming sensual works of craftsmanship and artistic realisation. Very similar to other regions all over the world, where armor became the canvas for the imagination of artists.

[@Bless3dWithACurse]

I never noticed that samurai vs knight aesthetic view! Not that you mention it, I feel a little idiotic for not noticing earlier. The samurai do have more of an imposing and demonic look while knights usually go for the saint look. I wonder if it has to do with religion or the martial nobility of Europe?

[@AlexiLeclerc]

might be because saints are often depicted in association to knights. Like it isn't knights that went for a saintly look, but art since then has associated them with it.

[@brothatscrazy3418]

Sho Kou It definitely has to do with religion and divinity. You know Deus Vult and all.

[@forestelfranger]

Sounds like it would make for a interesting fantasy book. Need a demonic look? Just go with samurai armor. Need a saint look go with a more knightly look. The only fantasy book on the market which uses realistic armor, coming soon to a store near you.

[@cyrinaefox6828]

It may be more a matter of choosing between intimidating your opponents and inspiring/encouraging your allies.

[@sralneman5929]

yes but then again you fight demons that are barely chest high. i think there are more terryfing things than that. maybe smth like a guy with a fucking giant horse and a mace charging you.

[@sedintisantvilko4746]

AAAMAZING :) !!!

[@Sabortooftigar]

princess mononoke is my favorite movie. it impacted me very deeply

[@diegotiberi5294]

ciao Raffaello, what do you think about the armours made by Negroli family?

[@gso619]

2:20 [Insert Monty Python joke here]

[@NeroNyte]

2:10 made me think of Batman haha

[@ryufu23]

The 7:33 one make me Think about Batman

[@NeroNyte]

Yeah that one too. There's a few helmets with that horns or ears look with sculpted eyebrows

[@ducontra666999]

That tengu armor was beautiful

[@sim.frischh9781]

There are many mystical beasts and creatures like Oni, Tengu, Dragons and such, but suddenly, a bunny sitting on a frog turns up and i go: "This must be a Kawaii Kabuto". I´m glad you mentioned those are mostly ceremonical helmets, wearing them on the battlefield, especially riding on a horse, would greatly reduce your combat effectiveness.

[@1207rorupar]

Can you make a list like this but of kabuto actually usedbin battle? Like Honda Tadakatsu's and Takeda Shingen's?

[@Yeknodathon]

Interesting insight into aesthetics and symbology. The butterfly and dragonfly especially.. rather ephemeral and transcendent?

[@MrSalarmax]

who composed the background music for your videos?

[@francescobuizza219]

ma quanto sono belle le tue intro!! :)

[@saltofpetra-4502]

Honto?

[@themangix357]

ugh and I thought horned viking helmets were absurd...

[@Leonated]

The vikings didn't have horned helmets.

[@npharaoh8675]

Leo Sarling They did, they just didnt use them for battle.

[@Beardshire]

The Veksø helmets are before the viking age.

[@edi9892]

Some say that early historians were confused by trinking horns, but I think it's rather due to some poet taking too much liberty.

[@Leonated]

To my knowledge there has been no archaeological finds or historical records of the vikings wearing horned helmets. In Gotland there is a pre-viking age depiction of a man wearing a horned helmet in some sort of ceremony, but that is unrelated to the myth.

[@aur-1998]

Medieval japan must have been a interesting place

[@strider_hiryu850]

They were all great kabuto.