Why Did Samurai Use Masks? How Many Types Existed? What do they mean?

There were many different types of samurai masks, some demonic, some divine, some grotuesque, some with more coverage, but they all served a very similar purpose. Let's find out what it was.
Samurai were the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan.
In Japanese, they are usually referred to as bushi or buke.
By the end of the 12th century, samurai became almost entirely synonymous with bushi, and the word was closely associated with the middle and upper echelons of the warrior class. The samurai were usually associated with a clan and their lord, and were trained as officers in military tactics and grand strategy. While the samurai numbered less than 10% of then Japan's population, their teachings can still be found today in both everyday life and in modern Japanese martial arts.
As aristocrats for centuries, samurai developed their own cultures that influenced Japanese culture as a whole. The culture associated with the samurai such as the tea ceremony, monochrome ink painting, rock gardens and poetry were adopted by warrior patrons throughout the centuries 1200-1600. These practices were adapted from the Chinese arts.
In general, samurai, aristocrats, and priests had a very high literacy rate in kanji. Recent studies have shown that literacy in kanji among other groups in society was somewhat higher than previously understood.
Some samurai had buke bunko, or "warrior library", a personal library that held texts on strategy, the science of warfare, and other documents that would have proved useful during the warring era of feudal Japan. One such library held 20,000 volumes. The upper class had Kuge bunko, or "family libraries", that held classics, Buddhist sacred texts, family histories, as well as genealogical records.
A samurai was usually named by combining one kanji from his father or grandfather and one new kanji. Samurai normally used only a small part of their total name.
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#Metatron #Samurai #Masks

[@libertyprime6932]

Can never underestimate the value of looking super badass

[@perrytran9504]

It really adds up in a large scale battle. Usually armies would rout when somewhere between 10-25% of their men were killed - if you can demoralize your enemy with anything else, you improve the odds they run with even less actual casualties.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

you beat me to it. i was about to put the badass factor. what else do you need?

[@spacetacos7574]

Indeed It’s the psychological effect on the other side of the battle The allies and servants who see an almost six foot humanoid covered in glossy,decorated Samurai armor with a face of a monster come to them It either inspires people into more support or fears people into more support for the lord and his servants

[@dannymckenzie8329]

Communist detected

[@brandonhey7797]

@@perrytran9504 Sun Tzu?

[@markhorton3994]

If your opponent is scared you can intimidate him. If your opponent is angry you can bait him into exposing himself. If your opponent is calm you had better be at your best because he is.

[@LuanMower55]

You also had better be faster than the next guy

[@jacobmeza91]

Brilliantly said

[@kokofan50]

No, my plan is to find something to throw him off his game.

[@rileyernst9086]

@@kokofan50 Like a pommel?

[@stewpitt8388]

Why would you want a guy you're fighting to expose himself? If I have to see some dude's dick just to beat him up,then I'd probably rather just stay home and let him win.

[@dominikajducic5858]

Why I would wear the mempo in battle: 20% protection 30% psychological effect *50% cool factor*

[@quacq650]

True

[@oldarthurmorgan6319]

Why I would wear the mempo in battle: .5% protection .5% psychological effect 99% *cool factor*

[@silasmarvan1189]

Very true but the cool factor is also a physiological effect, just in the opposite direction, in that it makes you more aggressive and "Badass"

[@Pikmin_.]

Im japanese and i like kansai and stuff but the demons masks looks like a yokai

[@Kkarsheo]

@@oldarthurmorgan6319 ayo hol up

[@Funger-_-]

"have the drip and outdrip your enemy, and you can win a thousend battles" -sun tzu, the art of war

[@itsafish4600]

real quote

[@jacobhoover1654]

P**** using Cardio B's slang, that ain't what drip means

[@ls200076]

@@jacobhoover1654 it is you wimp

[@thetimehascome874]

fashion souls those bitches

[@jacobhoover1654]

@@ls200076 it isn't loser, it's been around since the 80's

[@aryanjadhav9992]

Metatron: samurai Shadiversity: knights Skallgrim: vikings For honor confirmed

[@javyassassin13]

Lol yes a fellow for honor player

[@L-J]

Rantoni: China

[@doublevizzion]

@@javyassassin13 we are all depressed

[@javyassassin13]

@@doublevizzion yes we are

[@pettycow635]

new we need middle east-asia like arab-persian-indians lol

[@tylerhamar2123]

"The things I do for you nobleones!" Raph, our friend, though we all appreciate you donning your armor, we all know you love to wear it!

[@metatronyt]

You got me!

[@user-yr5nv2gv7m]

@@metatronyt its like they adapted ainu tribal warfare in the later days just like romans did barbarians' or egyptians the pelasgians'

[@NoInfoAvail]

@@metatronyt How comfortable is that helmet by the way?

[@FUnazis]

To be fair, we also all love seeing him wear it ^^

[@fortniteking8408]

@@metatronyt can I still be a Samurai

[@PeterMasalski93]

The mask activates the "Ghost Stance" but only after decapitating an enemy..

[@Yaturu]

Damn i will be buying soon and murdering my neighbor

[@silvercock7749]

Or getting a kill streak

[@SH33PDAWGY]

Or a certain amount of kills with no damage done to Jin in combat

[@chimiganja4209]

"Give a man a mask, and he'll become his true self"

[@thebro44]

Bro where is this from sounds familiar

[@chimiganja4209]

@@thebro44 I heard it once I think in a Batman movie or comic I dont really remember

[@thebro44]

@@chimiganja4209 must be

[@thatskyshiro]

Batman reference?

[@SamuraiJames]

@@thebro44 Joker said it in batman, but it's a twist on the earlier quote by Oscar Wilde: "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."

[@RazorbackX99]

Another psychological effect I see is that the mask disguises exhaustion to a certain degree. The unmoving stoic mask just subcontiously makes it look as if the samurai is just not getting tired. And exhaustion is a important part of combat psychology.

[@VoidEternal]

Can confirm. When you're tired, and sore, and mentally exhausted from battle and weariness, having an opponent who looks completely fresh and indomitable is a good way to have people give up.

[@Dowlphin]

And imagine the muffled heavy breathing under that mask. Yep, definitely intimidating. 😳

[@notmyrealname3403]

I made a ceramic samurai mask a long time ago in high school. Some staff and students were concerned, believing it was satanic. It was amusing. My mom accidentally broke it some years later. Cool video as always.

[@Skyisgoingbacktopluto]

I'm guessing you went to an evangelical school

[@lumethecrow9808]

Hmmm yes, angry human face is demonic

[@wesleyfilms]

I guess it works better than expected. Centuries later, and it still scares the superstitious :P

[@Drewskii59]

Wake the **** up samurai we have a city to render

[@danialyousaf6456]

@@wesleyfilms scares the moronic to be exact lol.

[@PingOnThis]

Why did Samurai use demon masks? Because they're fucking cool.

[@novagaming2870]

so the enemys become gay

[@dylankersten3383]

Its to make the enemy not be able to read your expression and scare you.

[@Deeznuts-qp6bi]

No. Its used to intimidate enemies so you can have a chance to strike

[@emperorfaiz]

@@Deeznuts-qp6bi You wrote like those two are mutually exclusive. Wearing a demon mask IS cool and intimidating. Open your mind.

[@Ballin4Vengeance]

@@Deeznuts-qp6bi and look dope as fuck while doing so

[@BlackJordanAirForce1]

Remember kids, always choose fashion over function. Cause ain't nobody gon care if you got 400 defense, but look like a damn Rubik's Cube.

[@Bart-Did-it]

I’d dress like a clown they looking for army guys … Peter Griffin .

[@may-K-47]

you are literally a singular black air force 1, this leads to many problems 1. youre gonna rob me 2. i dont trust your opinion 3. i dont trust you 4. black forces are for pussies who cannot keep their white shoes clean 5. this means you are a pussy, but only half pussy, because the other shoe is not present at the moment 6. youre still gonna rob me 8. skip number 7 9. i still dont trust you 10. you are probably creased and wrinkled, because everyone that ive seen wearing black forces fucks their shoes up within a week 11. my argument is closed, and so are my eyes because please dont rob me

[@THE_KIRYU]

"No one cared who I was until I put on the mask"

[@user-pj1ec5om5g]

“You’re a big guy”

[@mjolninja9358]

“It doesn’t matter who we are, what matter is our plan”

[@nomaru5388]

Ngl them mask do be looking lit

[@echidnawitchofgreed92]

@@mjolninja9358 dutch has a plan if you know what I mean ....

[@Menaceblue3]

@@user-pj1ec5om5g *4 U !*

[@danfu6280]

13:20 "Now I am just your friendly neighbor pasta eating Italian" Me die XD

[@cyqry]

Adding to that one, 5:40 There's something comical about a guy in full Samurai armour saying "mama mia"

[@warrenharrison9490]

My favorite comment in the whole video. 😂

[@LuanMower55]

@@cyqry indeed lol!

[@benjaminwatt2436]

No offense, he really needs the mask, he looks so friendly

[@michelebattaggia8685]

"mamma mia" is a Japanese expression. It means "I'll die with honor"

[@anelisamorgan8590]

😂😂😂

[@viscountrainbows6452]

So that's why Mario always exclaimed that when being booted from a painting in 64...

[@Abyssal86]

I'd watch that musical.

[@papanong8997]

source: trust me bro !!!

[@Kai-J-I]

Real

[@themandalorian5454]

Being a Japanese, I find these people who respect the history of Japan very honourable.

[@HebaruSan]

If a samurai isn't one of the main characters, you can put a mask on his face so the audience doesn't get distracted. And as a bonus, you can swap out that actor as needed!

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Remove dialog from the scenes and use a highly skilled stuntman/ martial artist for the role.

[@randallezno3055]

Just like immortals in Persian army When they died they got replaced But enemy couldn't notice it

[@toroselfpropelledgaslawnmo5197]

Putting a mask on the character would only bring more attention to that character. Masks look awesome, why would it not distract the audience?

[@chokaprod7665]

@@blairbuskirk5460 your just describing Kamen rider

[@bungiecrimes7247]

No need for animating the mouth and painstakingly do the lip syncing right

[@KenNakajima07]

I love that this Samurai says "Mamma Mia!"

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

Mario wearing his samurai armor in Mario Odyssey?

[@jasdanvm3845]

I'm making that a meme.

[@viscountrainbows6452]

Gimme the ramen with the red sauce. 何? Paisano, I said get me the RED SAUUUUUCE.

[@Jobe-13]

I always thought the masks also had the effect of making them feel more confident because together they would look like a group of armed monsters. Like it made them feel more fierce, warrior-like, and gave them a morale boost.

[@1337fraggzb00N]

I once drank a bottle of Stock 84 to confuse my enemies. Woke up the next day without trousers and someone drew a fake moustache in my face. Seems like I survived one hell of a battle.

[@gihan9319]

i feel it also gives the wearer a superhuman feeling of morale and security, since he knows the enemy cannot read his expression easily, but also because he feels he's safer than without the mask.

[@galefinn8521]

Or makes them feel badass af

[@NATOARMEDFORCES]

Yeah, you can hide emotions. people couldn’t be able to read feints as good, people grimace a lot in the face, especially with weapons, before they strike. Also more protection obviously

[@NATOARMEDFORCES]

Damn he said the same thing basically in the video lol should’ve finished it

[@cooperjump9730]

That’s what I feel too. To strike fear in the enemy

[@krieger8825]

I'd rather be good looking, like not having a huge cut on my face

[@TheDevilMethod]

I would wear it to look cool. Thats most important... very sad you don't talked about that XD

[@Niko-nm7mj]

True

[@HerrZenki]

Granted. Some military trends were dictated by fashion after all. Case in point: swords

[@comradekenobi6908]

@@HerrZenki bruh have you seen 18th-19th uniforms? Basically they tried to win wars with drip back then

[@jobdylan5782]

@@comradekenobi6908 LOL

[@shadowfauxx7]

I thought that’s one of the first things he talked about... talking about it’s effect psychologically, the fear it gives off ( it’s look)

[@datTwoFacxdGamer]

Honestly even without the eyes being obscured it's near impossible to read his expression. Very well made piece of equipment and an ingenious invention for feudal combat.

[@psychocuda]

Me walking into a supermarket. Associate: "Sir, you need to have a mask to enter." Me: "Oh, okay, I'll be right back."

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

Full armour and mask, especially when all black, really has that Darth Vader effect. You can even see the inspiration in his helmet/mask shape.

[@artyomsherwin648]

@asdrubale bisanzio A galaxy far far away, a very long time ago? (I don't know the exact quote)

[@chadfalardeau5396]

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far way. You're very close

[@MrChristoferoful]

NO WAY!!!! DARTH VADER WAS INSPIRED BY SAMURAI ARMOUR???

[@Azaghal1988]

His Helm definitely was, it is a near perfect kabuto shape

[@Overdoseplus]

@@MrChristoferoful Why do you think SW did so well in Japan? Star Wars is basically anime done in live action.

[@naughtyhieroglyph669]

There was an experiment a while ago by the va, where veterans with ptsd made masks as a means to express their trauma. I have since wondered if the ancient war masks were how the ancient warrior coped with their emotional burdens from war.

[@suitapes3757]

For any of you wondering it’s the “healing soldiers” experiment thingy Correct me if I’m wrong tho

[@naughtyhieroglyph669]

@@suitapes3757 Yep, that's the one, i had forgotten the name. Thanks for mentioning it. those masks reminded me of a lot of the war masks i had seen in museums and textbooks.

[@lukelim5094]

When you see the horrors a man can do to another. It makes sense some choose to embrace the darkness.

[@ninecloudsup]

@@lukelim5094 nature shows us the duality of dark and light, it’s only natural for us to have both. Those who pick one over the other are lost

[@akaroth7542]

Put on the mask and armor to become a demon, take it off to become a man again. I could see the ritual of it being a way to compartmentalize and 'other' the actions taken.

[@shydreameress264]

I think hiding the facial expression prevents the enemy to see how scared you can really be. It's also pretty cool and intimidating looking

[@lawneymalbrough4309]

The mask is an intimidation tactic. Makes the warrior seem inhuman and dangerous. You did a great job explaining the whole thing. Even today swat officers cover their faces for the same reason.

[@ericaugust1501]

Metatron: 0:45 "the things i do for you guys" also Metatron: spends the rest of the day off camera wearing his mask and full gear, doing regular things, like reading a book for example.

[@yubasheehan8552]

It's already on wye take it off

[@ericaugust1501]

@@yubasheehan8552 haha

[@julianweir3030]

Fully Armored Metatron: excuse me, miss, do you work here?

[@viscountrainbows6452]

Shadiversity in a full cuirass: Yes a pack of menthols please.

[@KamenRaiden]

He's such a weeaboo lol

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

"...these types of masks were popular among samurai who were insecure about not being able to grow a mustache."

[@lucashell2619]

Where did he say that. You made up?

[@thenorthstarsamurai]

@@lucashell2619 bruh

[@onyourleft9273]

@@thenorthstarsamurai Bruh

[@TheHorseman0fApocalypse]

@@onyourleft9273 bruh

[@rollerjumps]

@@ezekielisrael6374 bruh

[@generalkenobi443]

Oh man it made me remember how cool was Sakai Clan mask.

[@loneshinobi2682]

That’s what I love about the ghost mask. Taka used the Sakai clan mask as his inspiration for designing the ghost mask

[@mikechocklan5803]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together! I’m loving my studies of Japanese warrior culture

[@benjaminthibieroz4155]

It's amazing really how Metatron can admire the concept of samuraï while being fully aware the atrocity many of them embodied. Complete, well-informed, accepting love in context. That's how you do History.

[@anthonysteible5475]

That's pretty much true for any soldier. Knights were pretty brutal and cruel to their enemy and commoners alike. Many would maim or kill you just for upsetting them.

[@benjaminthibieroz4155]

@@anthonysteible5475 "any soldier" I wouldn't go that far. They were humans, prone to do despicable things never condemned in a context of war. However, believing than most of knights were sadistic bastards disregarding lives of others is just as unlikely as believing they were all virtuous and courteous. Both behaviors had back-up in their culture. Also, depending on the country, era and context, a knight (even a lesser lord) could be condemned by law for brutalizing commoner. We're talking humans in a somewhat organized society with moral standards, not fantasized monsters

[@angeldelgado7120]

Every civilization, country, and nation have committed atrocities.

[@user-oj9qn4nd5o]

Perhaps the most brutal in the world were the Crusaders, who slaughtered the peoples of the Middle East and destroyed their cultures, and during the siege of Ma'ala it is recorded that Crusaders ate human flesh.

[@benjaminthibieroz4155]

@@user-oj9qn4nd5o That seems very exagerated. Crusades never went far enough to say they affected "the middle east" and though it included brutal phases of warfare (including the infamous slaughter of Jerusalem), they still managed to maintain peace for a hundred years. Also, cannibalism in case of siege starvation isn't that uncommon.

[@sikamaru666]

The psychological factor might be a double edged sword. Sure, it makes harder to read your opponents emotions and makes them scarier, but because they are dehumanized you will hesitate far less in killing them. Not seeing someone's face makes it far easier for non-sociopaths or hardened combat veterans to kill other people.

[@NaqrSeranvis]

@farorin Untrue. As for why, I'd recommend you a Lindybeige's video called 'Shooting to kill - how many men can do this?' here on YT. The general point is that having that option, most combatants will try to take an enemy out of commission without killing them, unless specifically conditioned and trained to aim for vital parts (like snipers). There are few people who wouldn't kill if they had to, but most people, even soldiers, would still avoid killing if they didn't really have to. Even in case of The Great War, most deaths could be described as accidents rather than purpose kills.

[@johny192able]

@@NaqrSeranvis mixing inapplicable studies. one video/study cannot describe all soldier mentalities, cultures and wars. you also cannot mix modern warfare with times when people were highly superstitious

[@arnekrug939]

You have to remember however that it was tradition to take the heads of slain enemies and the higher the rank of the enemy, the higher the reward from your lord would be. So that incentive propably made it much easier killing people anyway.

[@johny192able]

@Jo Jo you are approaching it from a western perspective. being Samurai is not the same as making it in the army as you say, it's a warrior caste where you are raised to be that warrior from the moment you leave your mother's womb. yes, lines broke and soldiers fled in history numerous times but tell me one other soldier class, or army where soldiers committed seppuku if they failed or displayed lack of honor or obedience.

[@johny192able]

@Jo Jo first of all, no need for derisive terms, second I didn't say they were some mythical super soldiers. I agree with your other point but the point stands, it is almost entirely irrelevant to the discussion about would wearing a mask help the wearer or the opponant

[@GabrielReaper1]

I was recommended by Mr. Shad about you to find out more indepth details of the samurai armaments and such, glad to say, you both are quite reliable sources of knowledge of both your historical warrior, weapon, and armor choices.

[@arthries]

Imagine you're some random thug and you see a man completely clad in armor coming in your direction with a sword in hand and wearing the mask of a demon.

[@Manglet762]

We'd probably think: man that armor will sell great when we take it! At least in modern day, if you mean whatever was the equivalent of a thug back then, then we'd be staying away.

[@thedudeblueshell1701]

@@Manglet762 today in some country´s thug have guns so they would simply shoot him, but if i where back in time seeing a Samurai running towards me with a fcked up creepy mask i would run while shitting my pants so hard i would slow down xD

[@gimmeyourrights8292]

Ghost of Tsushima

[@dynasty3825]

@@Manglet762 Plot twist it was an anime protagonist who knows how to block bullets with a katana

[@supremo5209]

He aint bullet proof

[@Belial1125]

Combination of aesthetic desire and intimidation factor, protection, and can hide the identity of the wearer.

[@ashholiday123]

Whilst yes, it can hide the identity by looking, the armours themselves were often incredibly famous and popular samurai could be recognised simply by their armour so it depends who you were and how recognisable you were. Imagine wearing a balaclava every day but you were the only person in town who wore a balaclava and you wore it every day. Whilst your face is hidden, they still know it's you who wears the balaclava.

[@the_corvid97]

@@ashholiday123 To add to your balaclava analogy, Ghost from CoD:MW2 is distinctive even though he wears a balaclava, if you were to put him in a room filled with other soldiers wearing masks you could easily pick him out.

[@arnekrug939]

@@ashholiday123 Yes, until someday you need to be somewhere else or distract your opponents, let some other guy wear your balaclava and everyone will believe it's you. Not that I think that identity swapping was intended when designing the menpo, however I still wonder wether it was ever used in that way.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

Never thought of an imposter samurai

[@WilburtDurpenheimer]

@@arnekrug939 I'm sure at some point someone used that idea to be in two places at once.

[@JeanOlaf]

Are we gonna talk about that random brandy bottle hanging out in the shot? XD is that a patreon private joke

[@contentwasteland9096]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@wombatburrito5896]

Made me thirsty

[@Allthetube01]

Love the detailed explanation, thanks for sharing. And the aesthetic value of the menpo as well as the practicality are why I think is so interesting.

[@swanqlord3048]

This is an absolutely fantastic video. I've never had a single video sell me on an entire channel this hard.

[@mylesdrury2350]

A very effective demonstration of how the menpou can hide your emotions; seeing it reconstructed is so much more convincing than reading about it in a textbook. I would wear one, but the intricate shaping of the masks seems quite expensive, so I wonder if I would have to be quite a wealthy samurai in order to afford one. Is this correct?

[@miscalotastuff733]

Yes. In the european middle ages you provided your own gear. It was much the same for samurai. The armor in some cases was an heirloom that got handed down.

[@dvmpld9103]

Friendly Neighborhood pasta eating italian sounds like an awesome super hero

[@kannonball5789]

Don't touch his spaghet

[@brandonbentley5453]

One of the top uploads to this channel thank you!

[@skeletonboi3077]

“When I was young, I feared the mask. Now that I grew up, I now wear the mask...”

[@harisyoung4110]

after covid19 attack, everyone wear mask now..

[@bungiecrimes7247]

@@harisyoung4110 you're a little too buddy.

[@LargoBlack]

@@harisyoung4110 underated comment

[@skeletonboi3077]

@@LargoBlack agreed

[@wesleyfilms]

Using the mask to hide your face reminds me of a poker player wearing glasses to obscure their eyes.

[@jaredatkinson1071]

I like the full face oni still mask. I would be terrified to fight a warrior in one of those things.

[@1nSovi3tRussi4]

@پیر الکساندر خان Considering that the wealthiest Samurai could equip themselves with Tameshi Gusoku; an armor specifically made to be bullet proof, I don't think it evens the odds too much. Unless you get lucky and hit one the weak spots. Especially considering that Samurai also used guns quite often, and if he did he'll probably have a better gun than you.

[@1nSovi3tRussi4]

@پیر الکساندر خان Big claims for someone who doesn't know History. Tameshi Gusoku had a same composition as a late 16th century European duplex armor ie. Three layered composition consisting of iron plate(or soft steel) in between steel plates; the iron deadens the impact of the ball while the steel protects against traditional bladed weapons. And no, Tanegashima isn't "primitive" compared to European firearms, in some key aspects it was more advanced. For starters the balls in Sengoku era was standarized(something never done in Europe at the time) and were more accurate at the cost of firepower(this isn't factoring in things like the ozutsu that had a larger caliber for piercing armor). And no, European firearms weren't rifled in the 16th century either, you're off by a couple century, which really which really goes to show your lack of knowledge on the matter.

[@1nSovi3tRussi4]

@پیر الکساندر خان This is some meme tier refute right here. Glad to prove you wrong. Oh and here's an advise for you, if you can't argue for either side than you have no place debating on the matter. Might save you some embarrassment in the future.

[@Sevren_]

@Абдульзефир When you immediately called him son, you then lost all credibility

[@Sevren_]

@Абдульзефир doubling down is always a good idea

[@chaiseapple8950]

Gonna keep this in mind for future essays. Very well done 🤙

[@ultralaggerREV1]

12:54 A similar situation happened in Mesoamerica. Ancient Aztecs would never kill in war, they would stun the enemy, capture them, and take them to the sacrificial temple which the more enemies you capture, the bigger the reward

[@marion_roberts]

This video makes me appreciate Sekiro even more. Especially when he death blows into unprotected areas of Samurai armor. Also gives explanation why Isshin wore a tengu mask.

[@wallacesousuke1433]

Sekiro is crap though

[@taistelusammakko5088]

@@wallacesousuke1433 thats like your opinion man

[@bungiecrimes7247]

@@wallacesousuke1433 aw did the little guy get sekiro for Christmas without knowing anything about the souls series? Cute.

[@wallacesousuke1433]

@@bungiecrimes7247 I've played them all, why does that matter though?

[@DrakeRing]

@@wallacesousuke1433 idk man, what else were you expecting?

[@lam1991hahaha]

They are also useful for kagemusha, if a lord wants to confuse the enemy or spies, it’s easier to have himself and all his kagemusha masked than actually finding people who looks like him.

[@KamenRaiden]

Kagemusha means shadow warrior. You sound so dumb. That was an Akira Kurosawa samurai movie.

[@sriglin1]

This video popped up on my feed. Awesome stuff, man. I'll definitely be back.

[@apollosungod2819]

Katana combat also calls for very precise and FAST strikes instead of hacks... with stories of exceptionally skilled swordsmen within some of the ranks, that would add a level of tension to protect against such precision strikes while also having mobility to counter strike against your opponent. Metatron... I have watched many of the Akira Kurosawa movies and read many of the stories of medieval Japanese swordsmen and their legendary duels of which many didn't exactly go as we would expect because of unpredictable opponent tactics... However I will cite the enterainment Japanese film, Azumi... there is a character there which is inspired by stories of certain swordsmen even if it is a movie and it is exaggerated... the character Bijomaru iirc (I could be misspelling the name) he basically wears a white cloth gown with a sword that has no guard so he seems totally exposed to attack... however he boasts that he is so skilled that he grew bored of fighting because he felt he was just slaughtering his opponents .

[@ChristianCampbellDiaz]

I ate pasta today. Now I'm a little bit more Metatronic, it feels nice.

[@josefharvey5614]

I love the jhin kazama portrait in the background.

[@Ice-fx5vr]

Very interesting video, definitely subbing and I love the fact you have a Jin Kazama picture on the wall!

[@chinitooppah3587]

I absolutely loved this video.. Just subscribed

[@mrscary3105]

I laughed when Skall called you a "Weeb" I am sure it was out of love.

[@KamenRaiden]

I call him a weeb out of disgust.

[@Gilgaemesh]

@@KamenRaiden Weeb isn't even used properly anymore. It's like me saying you are a weeb for swords.

[@KamenRaiden]

@@Gilgaemesh No he straight up tries to wear the armor and just looks ridiculous. He will never be japanese no matter how bad he wants it

[@Gilgaemesh]

@@KamenRaiden He likes armor not anime dumbass. Learn what weebs are before you go making accusations. He has worn Roman armor too because ya know he is Italian...

[@rickytran2506]

@@Gilgaemesh Still a weeb. Samurai lore, anime lore, still a weeb and he'll never be Japanese.

[@elend9077]

is anyone else going to note that he has a bottle of brandy on the table.... Also I love the video and your content, I have always had a fascination for Japanese Armour

[@darionietlispach2470]

could a samurai get shitfaced wilst wearing a mask? let's find out xD

[@cobraglatiator]

@@darionietlispach2470 nose guard on,you'd spill, take it off easy consumption.

[@armintor2826]

Good'ol ancient japanese brandy

[@yaboyjosh3023]

First thing I noticed xD I was about to comment on it. Would have been more historically accurate if it was a bottle of Sake'

[@tenshi16102]

Information on Point! Thank u

[@nonamenarrator3260]

I’m very new to this channel but your Japanese pronunciation is on point. Kudos on the video and your knowledge my brother. I’ll be subscribing. Thank you for your work. Ahki.

[@Direwolf13PS3]

It would be really interesting to see Japanese and European armorers come to together to mix their two design elements together, focusing primarily on protection and secondarily on mobility. You'd probably end up with something quite remarkable.

[@samuraijones439]

There already is armor like that, the nanban armor

[@nos8141]

I agree

[@nos8141]

@@samuraijones439 That is still type of samurai Armour, not so different. The chest and helmet is only difference usually (also Korean helmet on samurai Armour can look like Naban Helmet too, interesting) I will like to see like 50% Knight 50% Samurai design for each part of body. Some part black lacquer, some just with silver. Do you know "armoured warrior" in sekiro? I think that is what European version of "nanban gusoku" would be like.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

Ah yes, the perfect armor.... if only

[@eagle162]

There is this art you can look up name Samurai Knight by overdrivezero, is that the kind of thing you're talkin up.

[@yukiminsan]

if your enemies are frightened, they have disadvantage on attack rolls while they can see you

[@alexandermccabe556]

"simple because they are baller ass" legendary samurai when asked about his mask

[@FREEDOMFORUKRAINE2024]

I would just stuff some nice soft cloth under the mask to make it more comfortable.

[@adnanhossain7200]

it would start to get hot. even if it's a breathable fabric like cotton. a metal mask with cloth underneath would deffo make it hotter. but yes I see Ur point

[@rhinotank8725]

@@adnanhossain7200 if I'm not mistaken, some samurai would line their mask with silk for it's wicking abilities and breathability.

[@joshuawagner2590]

I would definitely wear it, especially for the psychological factors. However, even glancing blows can be pretty problematic with no protection, as you discussed. With some of the protection that the armor offers, glancing blows aren't near as much of a problem. It's not necessarily so much about mistakes as it is, hey, everyone is fighting and swinging sharp or blunt things about, I'm probably going to get nicked here and there. Might be good to wear something on my *face*.

[@miguelperez9906]

The look kinda makes me think of some of the helmets made around the time of Henry the eighth/Maximilian.

[@kkattavega117]

New subscriber right here.... Excellent content.... Love them samurai.

[@JohnDoe-fz7hz]

awesome explained! what is the bottle of Sock 84 used for??

[@whatidontknow4497]

Interesting topic

[@godspeedbabylon1663]

I’m fairly confident I know what sources you used from those first pictures alone. Also you said that most samurai would not have facial hair, but I think that only applies from the Edo period onwards. Great vid though!

[@juliorosa2846]

Nice video bro. Greetings from Portugal

[@theunkownphilosopher]

Thank you for the awesome video, may I ask you about the flask in the video Stock 84?

[@Riceball01]

Raff, since you covered the menpo, you need to do another video covering Roman cavalry masks and what they were all about.

[@camrendavis6650]

The ancient Chinese of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties used to wear bronze war masks. In the Tang Dynasty, when armor became more decorative, they used to wear very decorative masks that attached to their helmets but by this time were just ornaments, only ever worn for special events like parades through cities and all that. They didn't use masks in battle because it obstructed their vision and their breathing.

[@perrytran9504]

I'd be very interested in another video on how Japanese armor design deviated from the mainland Sinosphere. Everyone knows they generally look different, but representations of soldiers from medieval Korea and Vietnam tend to look very similar to what is seen in China even though China rarely actually warred with them. We already got a video comparing Chinese and Japanese armors, but I'd love to know why the Japanese continued to use masks or opted for more cavalry oriented armor.

[@nos8141]

The also had face Armour in Song/Tang period that was like hood. You can only see the eyes.

[@camrendavis6650]

@@nos8141 so cool

[@nos8141]

@@perrytran9504 emishi people (people in North region) can be 1 reason, they use mounted fighting when fighting Imperial soldier. (Important to note they are not completely separate group, but can be people who did not support emperor)

[@nos8141]

@@camrendavis6650 If you are interested. You can search "Heavy Song Armour" in images. You will see highest form of protection. Hands is one part that is always left open for their Armour.

[@EvilPanda187]

Excellent analysis!

[@noahscott-miller3492]

I would wear the mempo. I do like the reasons you give… but don’t forget the good old fashioned cool factor. Everyone cares about fashion in some capacity, and for me knowing I look like some kind of monster would be a great morale boost. Look good, feel good. Feel good, fight good.

[@theknightofart8169]

Nice video! :)

[@goemonismylife2906]

Thank you for this detailed video. It was very useful to me especially the psychology of the masks 🥰

[@LilyBlossom1337]

I just love the aesthetic of this armor. I would definitely wear it for the reasons you mentioned. I also may make it a little heavier.

[@alexandersarchives9615]

Just an idea but a video on how samurai armor was made would be pretty cool... but maybe you made a video on it a while ago, idk

[@petersparacino6445]

I always thought part of the purpose was to hold one's jaw in place so you don't bite your tongue

[@shawn6860]

Under some conditions it would do that.

[@nos8141]

Either way. Is gives form of protection. In the end of 16 century, they also made new menpo that had Chain covering mouth part, and moving jaw (So you can yell easier)

[@eagle162]

@@nos8141 really interesting,know where I can Read on that or can you link examples.

[@nos8141]

@@eagle162 Hi. If you are interested in What the highest Protection of Samurai armour (Toseigusoku specifically) could be type : *"Toseigusoku : Body Coverage Explained"* you can scroll to the Face section you only want to know Menpo, but you will miss out. It includes drawing and images in English, that most people are not aware existed in sengoku period. A big reason is because in Edo period, many part of the armour was removed, or not used because there is few wars, and Armour is treated more like art/status.

[@antoinemonks4187]

Love his point about individual preference👌 one time at a medieval battle reenactment, I saw one guy who kept his visor shut throughout the day, only removing it at the very end, which made him incredibly mysterious, whereas every other guy with a visor only wore it periodically and it wasn't a cold day either. So it's all a matter of what works for the individual:)

[@leemcgann6470]

Very cool! Where did you purchase it from?

[@eldraco252]

"present and definitely not pleasant..." i love this line

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

The mask not only has psychological effects on the opponent, but also on the wearer. When studying color-coded teams in League of Legends, it was found that players assigned to a blue team played more passively and strategically, while red colored teams played more aggressively. So in a similar way, if you wear the identity of a god or a terrifying demon on the battlefield, you may well start acting the part. If you're worried that you might be too afraid to respond appropriately in battle, this could perhaps be an aid. I don't think I would wear the mask, because I'd rather be killed in battle from being too merciful than from being too reckless.

[@darrenswindle7258]

Very interesting. thank you for this study in samurai masks very very interesting. Well done sir.

[@dumbomontana]

I just got a samurai half sleeve and this was recommended. I’ve always been intrigued by their armor/gear going for a full tattoo sleeve soon themed around the idea.

[@ZenexTheZealous]

Metatron forgets to mention the greatest benifit of wearing of the samurai mask It helps hide bad breath! Even if the mouth is open :P

[@ashholiday123]

@ben esterberg He has a girlfriend to be fair 😂

[@milk_man7606]

i was the first person to like the video because i have too little friends and too much time

[@Hotchpotchsoup]

I know that feeling well lol

[@milk_man7606]

the thing you shoud have said is me too, kid

[@gannielukks1811]

You're out of touch I'm out of time

[@milk_man7606]

@@gannielukks1811 yes i live in the past and look at dead memes

[@sentientbouy4492]

Hello there milk man is your milk tastes good?

[@Zero8880]

I LOVE the scene from "The Last Samurai" when Katsumoto dismounts and pulls off his mask to get a better look at Lt Algren being surrounded just like his dream of the white tiger.

[@cameronjones8641]

Brilliant video!

[@randomthoughts9276]

Yari: Slides Raph/Metatron: 👀 Mama mia Metatron represents my daily mood.

[@arnekrug939]

Since you don't see much of the face and the armour of famous samurai were widely recognized, I wonder if they ever swapped places with someone else who wore their armour so the enemy would think it was them.

[@jimsheppard910]

I certainly would wear it simply because any advantage is a good advantage. Very informative video. Thankyou for doing it. From 🇨🇦...stay safe and fearsome.

[@christianalbertjahns2577]

Hello, Metatron. Somehow I want to see the Edo period Samurais and its comparison with Warring States period Samurais. If you have plan to do it, I am looking forward to it. Also good stuff you have here. Keep up the good work

[@aenorist2431]

Fresh outta skalls video. Because why dress up and not squeeze out as much as you can from it :D Very efficient.

[@LukeRanieri]

It looks amazing!

[@d0gmaticsoul]

this was really informative, also i just learned now what that mask is actually called, i just refer to it as samurai mask lol. thanks! i just visited this channel bcoz of this video and now i subbed.

[@justdegleria7652]

Great vid !

[@jdiel5677]

Lesson learned: Wear protection guys