The ashigaru were foot soldiers, while cavalry was reserved for the samurai. They could be armed with a long sword (katana) or spears (yari), but were also used to operate catapults. After the introduction of firearms by the Portuguese in 1546, the ashigaru were armed with tanegashima arquebuses. As battles became more complex and forces larger, they were rigorously drilled to stay in line in the face of enemy fire. Their armor consisted of conical hats (jingasa) made of lacquered, hardened leather, breastplates and occasionally greaves. Some also wore small banners (sashimono) attached to their backs for identification during battle. When mobilized, they had to carry their own provisions to the local assembly point, from where they were supplied from the daimyo's camps.
PERRY MINIATURES
28mm
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