Akai Oni Samurai Armor

  The Akai Oni samurai were elite troops chosen for their honor and heroism. They were led into battle by the Taisho Akai Oni. These elite Gashira (samurai officers) helped to administer orders and fearlessly led their Akai Oni Kachi samurai into battle, regardless of the consequences. Their armor was painted with a crimson or vermilion sun to show their fierce warrior spirit, which earned them the name "Akai Oni" (red demonic ogre). After winning numerous battles, the elite warriors of the Takeda clan grew in fame and number. They are considered one of the most famous and powerful clans of feudal Japan. Ruling the Kai province for 400 years, from the 12th to the 16th century, the Takeda clan was one of the most powerful families in feudal Japanese history. Their motto was "Loyalty and Brotherhood" and their clan banner bore the words "fu rin ka zan" (wind, forest, fire, mountain), which means "Fast as the wind, silent as the forest, invasive as fire and immovable as a mountain." This