Jingasa of samurai armor
What is Jingasa?
Jingasa (陣笠) is a traditional, conical-shaped hat used primarily by foot soldiers (Ashigaru) on the battlefield in feudal Japan. The word "Jingasa" in Japanese is combined from two words: Jin (陣), meaning battle formations or military encampments, and Gasa (笠), which means hat. Together, the word "Jingasa" can be translated to "battle hats."
While the Jingasa provided head protection, it was far less effective compared to the Kabuto (helmet), which was typically worn by samurai. The Kabuto often featured elaborate decorations such as maedate (front crests) and wakidate (side crests) to display the wearer’s status and personality. In contrast, the Jingasa was mass-produced, simply designed, and made at a low cost, as it was mainly worn by Ashigaru, the common foot soldiers who could not afford expensive Japanese armor. Many Ashigaru received their armor, including their Jingasa, from their daimyo (feudal lord) , these armors called the okashi gusoku (rental armor).
Who Wore the Jingasa?
Ashigaru primarily wore Jingasa on the battlefield. Since they were not as well-equipped as samurai who wear a full set of Japanese armor, the Jingasa served as affordable headgear that provided minimal protection. However, samurai also wore Jingasa, though not in combat. Samurai wear more decorative versions of Jingasa for official outings and other ceremonial occasions. These versions were far more ornate than the simple ones worn by Ashigaru, sometimes varying in design for different seasons or events.
Materials and Construction of Jingasa
Jingasa were made from materials such as thin iron, leather, or even paper, with lacquer applied to the surface for durability. Inside the hat, there was padding—often made from cotton or other soft materials—to absorb shock and provide comfort. Despite this, the Jingasa offered limited protection, as it was designed with mobility in mind rather than defense.
Due to their frequent use in battle, Jingasa would often wear out quickly, and very few examples have survived in good condition.
Functionality of the Jingasa
Although the Jingasa provided only minimal protection, it was a versatile tool for the Ashigaru. For instance, Ashigaru who used matchlock guns (Tanegashima) wore wider Jingasa, with a diameter of 32 to 38 cm, to prevent their guns from rain and wind.
The Jingasa also served practical, everyday purposes. A cloth could be draped from the back to protect the wearer’s neck from sunlight, and the hat could even be used as a makeshift cooking pot in the field.
History of the Jingasa
The origins of the Jingasa are thought to date back to the Heian period, where it evolved from the ayaigasa (綾藺笠)—a type of hat worn by mounted archers, often made from woven rush grass. During that time, samurai fought primarily on horseback, using Yumi (bow), engaging in individual archery battles.
As warfare in Japan evolved, shifting towards infantry-based combat, the Jingasa became more suitable for the Ashigaru, who made up the majority of Japan’s armies. These soldiers were mostly poor peasants who could not afford proper armor, so they relied on the basic protection offered by the okashi gusoku. In addition to the Jingasa, the okashi gusoku typically included simple chest armor (do), shin guards (suneate), and gauntlets (kote), all of which prioritized mobility over heavy protection.
These pieces of loaned armor were often made larger to fit soldiers of varying sizes, and family crests or identifying marks were applied to the Jingasa and armor to distinguish allies from enemies on the battlefield.
The Jingasa in the Edo Period
In the Edo period, just as the katana transitioned from a weapon of war to a symbol of social status, the Jingasa also evolved from functional battle gear into a status symbol. Samurai used elaborately designed Jingasa on official outings to express their rank and personal style.
Unlike the simple conical hats of the Sengoku period, Edo-era Jingasa were often curved at the edges and lacquered on both the inside and outside. Gold or silver leaf was sometimes applied, giving these hats an artistic, decorative quality. Some high-ranking samurai even had different Jingasa for different seasons or occasions.
As a result, the finely crafted Jingasa of the Edo period are now highly valued as works of art and cultural artifacts.
See more terms related to samurai armor in this samurai armor glossary