Ashigaru facts for kids

Men dressed like ashigaru soldiers in a local parade.

Ashigaru is a type of Japanese soldier that began during the Heian Period (794-1185). Their origin is serving as bodyguards to government officials during this period. They became more active over hundreds of years and ended up serving as foot-soldiers for samurai and shogun. Ashigaru became masterless warriors after the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1868). After the Edo Period, many became police.

Fighting style and armor

Ashigaru are noted for using surprise attacks and group tactics. They wore metal armor, a gauntlet, and a Japanese half-length coat. The armor also had leather and Japanese rice paper. Their weapon was a sword, spear, gun, or bow. Ashigaru also carried a water bottle, tissue paper, and rice.

The Ōnin Rebellion

In the Ōnin War (1467-1477), the ashigaru robbed and looted Kyoto. This gave ashigaru a reputation as bad troops.

Images for kids

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  Ashigaru wearing armor and jingasa firing tanegashima (Japanese matchlocks).

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  A plain undecorated tanegashima; this type was used by the ashigaru.

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  Edo period print of ashigaru wearing mino (straw raincoats) in the rain while firing tanegashima (Japanese matchlocks).

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  Edo-period single-piece breastplate hara-ate dō. Lacquered iron plates with cloth back strap.

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  Edo-period jingasa

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  Edo-period Kabuto helmet of the zunari style, plain with no front crest holder

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  Edo-period karuta zukin, an armored hood from with iron cards and mail

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  Edo-period karuta tatami dō in the hara-ate style

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  Edo-period kikko tatami dō. A collapsible cuirass made with small hexagonal iron plates.

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  Edo-period iron jingasa, 8 iron plates riveted together

See also

In Spanish: Ashigaru para niños