Today, we are proud to introduce the pinnacle of Kendo armor: the highly precious “Same-do” (Stingray Leather Do).

This masterpiece is crafted using traditional techniques,

where natural stingray leather is luxuriously applied

over a bamboo Do-dai base and layered with coat after coat of genuine Urushi lacquer✨

It inherits the essence of Japanese craftsmanship,

a heritage once used for samurai armor and the hilts of Japanese swords.

Above all, it boasts overwhelming durability and robustness🔥

Covered in hard, bone-like calcium granules,

the leather offers unparalleled resistance against impacts and scratches from Shinai.

And then, there is its one-of-a-kind beauty.

By meticulously polishing the lacquer flat,

a breathtaking pattern emerges, looking as if stars have been scattered across the surface✨

Crafted entirely by hand, no two pieces in the world are exactly alike.

Because master lacquer artisans spend months completing a single piece,

they are exceptionally rare—truly the ultimate item of desire for any Kendo practitioner.

Depending on the finish and the section of the leather used, it reveals various expressions:

The “Togidashi Same-do”, showcasing a beautiful contrast with polished white granules.
The “Tataki Same-do”, leaving the natural texture intact for a rugged, powerful impression.
The ultra-premium “Oyatsubu-tsuki”, featuring the exceptionally large, single prominent granule from the center of the stingray’s back.

While synthetic “Same-style” alternatives exist today,

the texture of natural materials and the commanding presence

that deepens the more you use it are truly in a class of their own.

Truly exceptional things transcend generations and are passed down through time.

Why not create a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime Do of your very own?

We look forward to welcoming you to our shop.✨