Haramaki

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Haramaki was a component of the samurai class attire primarily during the Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. Haramaki are belly protectors, which obviously made them rather important. Haramakis were generally made of silk, and lined with various materials. Haramakis contained chain mail or articulated plates of iron. When the haramaki is worn, it is to be put on from the front and then fastened behind with cords.^[1]

Haramaki today are made of cotton or wool. They are still used to hide valuables. Pregnant women are advised to wear them.

Tora-san, of the Otoko wa Tsurai yo movies, wore haramaki. Roronoa Zolo of the One Piece series wears a green haramaki

[edit] Reference

The Samurai Sourcebook