Samurai Craft Series crafted by armor makers.

From the proud tradition of Edo armor, reborn with a spark of modern design — the “Samurai Craft Series” begins. Don’t just admire Japanese heritage. Hold it. Use it. Live with it.

A shoehorn forged like a sword. A wine bottle crowned like a samurai. This is the Samurai Craft Series.

At its heart is the Katchū Shoehorn, a fusion of Japanese sword-like beauty and the intricate lacing techniques once used in Edo-period armor. Alongside it, the Bottle Kabuto transforms any bottle into a warrior’s helm, blending humor with heritage in a way only true craftsmanship can.

These works are born from Ōkoshi Tadayasu Studio, where three generations of artisans have carried armor-making traditions for over 70 years. In a time when mass production dominates, your pledge is more than support — it’s how the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and playful imagination becomes part of your daily life.

The Fusion of Tradition and Creativity — The Allure of Bottle Kabuto and Three Features of the Armor Shoehorn

A miniature suit of armor to crown your table. The Bottle Kabuto slips over a wine bottle, recreating the intricate details of samurai armor in miniature — from lacing techniques to the tiny scales of the plates. It adds a playful conversation piece and a touch of Japanese beauty to any gathering.

Dear Supporters, The Samurai Craft Series project is progressing wonderfully thanks to your passionate support! We're thrilled to announce the addition of two highly anticipated new items to the "Samurai Bottle Kabuto" series, which fuses Japanese traditional craftsmanship with the souls of Sengoku warlords. This special release is a surprise to further energize the campaign and is now available in the rewards section. A must-see lineup for history fans—upgrade your bottle collection in one go!

The long-awaited new release, "Samurai Bottle Kabuto 'Toyotomi Hideyoshi'", embodies the splendor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the self-made ruler of the realm. Crafted with exquisite precision from brass and aluminum, this masterpiece is modeled after his golden forecrest and ornate decorations, vividly recreating the brilliance of Hideyoshi's ambition and prosperity. Delivered ahead of time as a special offering for the Kickstarter campaign, this piece serves not only as a practical bottle cap but also as a treasured item for history enthusiasts and collectors. Gathering the essence of Japanese traditional craftsmanship, it brings a truly special encounter right into your hands.

The long-awaited new release, "Samurai Bottle Kabuto 'Naoe Kanetsugu'", pays homage to the soul of Naoe Kanetsugu, the loyal and wise general. Meticulously finished in brass and aluminum, this bottle cap faithfully reproduces his iconic "Ai" (love) forecrest and cloud patterns, enveloping it in the quiet dignity of Kanetsugu's intellect and benevolence. Released ahead of time as a special offering for the Kickstarter campaign, it functions as an everyday bottle accessory while becoming an essential collectible for fans of Sengoku history, shining with rare artisanal craftsmanship. It etches the depth of history into your daily life, creating a moment of profound significance.

At first glance, it looks like a katana. The smooth, curved steel body of the Katchū Shoehorn is shaped with careful attention to weight and touch, turning even the simple act of slipping on your shoes into a graceful movement. More than a tool, it carries the spirit of the samurai

Among all the processes in armor-making, Odoshi — the art of binding small plates together with colorful cords — is considered the most beautiful. In this piece, the technique is applied to the scabbard-like base, echoing the sleeves of a samurai’s armor. Every pattern is hand-laced by an artisan, making each shoehorn a one-of-a-kind creation.

Draw the blade… and discover it’s actually a shoehorn. This playful surprise makes the Katchū Shoehorn as delightful as it is practical. Its size and weight fit comfortably in hand, striking the perfect balance between fine craft and everyday usefulness

100% handcrafted in Japan, this sustainable product uses no plastic, only metal, thread, and traditional materials. Its durability ensures it can be cherished for years.

Edo-period armor wasn’t built for battle — it evolved as decorative suits for Gogatsu Ningyō, the May Festival dolls displayed to wish children health and strength. Crafted from paper, cloth, and thread, they became a symbol of protection and growth in Japanese households. Since its founding in 1948, Ōkoshi Tadayasu Studio has carried this tradition forward for over 70 years, moving from Tokyo’s Arakawa district to Koshigaya, Saitama, where the craft continues today.

For the third-generation head, Yasuhiro Ōkoshi, the path wasn’t direct. After working at a cosmetics company, he returned to the family craft, inspired by his grandmother’s words: “One day, I hope you’ll be the one to carry this on.”

The shoehorn was born through Tokyo Teshigoto, a government-backed project pairing designers and traditional artisans to create modern products from heritage crafts. Among the proposals was a “sword-shaped shoehorn.” When Ōkoshi saw it, he immediately thought: “This must be made — and only we can do it.”

Even though the techniques were different from armor-making, he felt this was a chance to prove that craftsmanship could evolve without losing its spirit. That was the beginning of the challenge.

Making a sword-shaped shoehorn required entirely new approaches. For the handle, artisans adapted the Tsukamaki method — the diamond-pattern cord wrapping used on katana grips — to ensure both strength and beauty. For the stand, they used the same technique as real armor: weaving together tiny plates with thread to recreate the look of a samurai sleeve.

Artisan Kameda experimented tirelessly with weaving methods until he found the ideal balance. Veteran craftsman Sekine examined each part, piece by piece, rejecting anything less than perfect. After three years of refinement, the design and functionality were finally completed.

The same spirit went into the Bottle Kabuto, where miniature armor condenses centuries of skill into a playful form.

The Katchū Shoehorn quickly attracted attention, from being selected as a local hometown tax return gift in Koshigaya City to being featured in media. Overseas collectors praised the vibrant colors and intricate cord work, with customers from Spain to the United States calling it a unique expression of Japanese tradition.
These voices gave the artisans confidence: that their skills could resonate not just in Japan, but around the world.

Craftsmen like Mr. Kameda (30 years of experience) and Mr. Sekine (50 years of experience) have honed their art with relentless attention to detail. Yet the number of armor artisans continues to shrink due to Japan’s aging society and a lack of successors.
For President Yasuhiro Ōkoshi, crowdfunding is also about building a bridge — connecting younger generations and even overseas fans to this tradition, and inspiring new bearers of the craft.

We see this shoehorn as the meeting point of traditional technique and small everyday joy. Placed by your doorway like a sheathed sword, it invites you to feel a spark of samurai spirit and Japanese beauty each time you use it.

Your support helps us continue this challenge.

And we hope you’ll welcome the Katchū Shoehorn into your daily life.

Size: Approx. H 14cm / W 14cm / D 9cm
*Slight variations may occur depending on the product.
Material: Brass, aluminum, etc.

Delivery Format:
Includes a special acrylic pedestal for display purposes.Delivered in a custom-made paulownia wood box crafted by skilled artisans.

Note: The photo is an example of the Samurai Bottle Armor "Oda Nobunaga."

Product Info

- Product InfoRemove the blade-shaped shoehorn from the stand.
- Insert the shoehorn into the heel of the shoe and slide your foot in.
- After use, return the shoehorn to the stand, as if sheathing a blade.Place it in your entryway or on a desk to enjoy as a decorative piece.

Ogoshi Chu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1964, Ogoshi Tadahisa Seisakusho Co., Ltd., based in Koshigaya, Saitama, is a workshop specializing in crafting armor for May dolls used in the Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day) festival. Inheriting Edo armor techniques, their “Koshigaya Armor” integrates metalwork, woodworking, Kyoto textiles, braided cords, and leather craftsmanship, completed through approximately 5,000 meticulous processes. Designated as a Saitama Prefecture traditional craft in 1996, its exquisite beauty is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally. Under third-generation president Yasuhiro Ogoshi, the workshop produces authentic armor rooted in historical accuracy alongside modern items like bottle armor and armor-inspired wristwatches, leveraging traditional techniques. While preserving the festival culture that prays for children’s healthy growth, the company continues to innovate, opening new possibilities. Their armor, infused with the artisans’ spirit, is a masterpiece that resonates across generations.