Sarashi
(Samurai Belt)

Description

Sarashi Belt, or torso wrap, was traditionally worn around the waist section of the Do (cuirass) to firmly hold and secure its weight upon the waist of the samurai warrior.  With the weight of the Do resting fully on the waist of the warrior the watagami (shoulder straps), are lifted about 2 cm above the shoulders. This removes all the weight and pressure of the Do from the shoulders and applies it to the waist, so the samurai can comfortably wear his armor all day with very little fatigue or stress.  The sarashi can also be used as a battlefield dressing and can hold extra items, such as a tanto (across the stomach), pouches, extra waraji (sandals), etc.  

As the sarashi belt applies pressure to the waist of the armor, some of the weight will fall upon the hips. To protect the hips, the samurai warrior would often wear a padded yoroi obi (armor belt) to protects the hips from this weight and to help prevent chafing. Katana, wakizashi, hayago-doran (ammo pouch) and other samurai accessories were often worn around the waist as well, using a uwa-obi (outer belt). The uwa-obi is a thin “utility” type belt which was used while wearing samurai armor or without armor. Please click the link to order or learn more about the yoroi obi or uwa-obi.

The Sarashi belt is an important accessory for wearing samurai armor and is needed to wear your armor correctly and comfortably.  Traditional it was made from asa (hemp linen) and was often bleached white or left in its natural color (off white / beige in color). However they could be dyed in any number of colors, which we offer in our options section above, so you can fully customize your sarashi to match your armor and/or clan colors. The belt should wrap 2 or 3 times around the waist, ensuring a secure hold. Female samurai in Feudal Japan would also wear a sarashi to bind their breasts, making it easier and more comfortable to don and wear their samurai armor.

Our samurai clothing and accessories are featured in many movies, tv series, documentaries, including the docudrama “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan” by Netflix & the Smithsonian Channel.

  Features:

• Traditional size / length and material
• Available in several color options
• Average length is 400 x 10 cm, made of cotton

Our samurai Sarashi belt are handmade by Iron Mountain Armory at the time of your order. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks for crafting of this item.

Additional information