Japanese armor, also known as Katchu, is comprised of the Kabuto (helmet) and O-Yoroi (“great armor”).

O-yoroi, or simply Yoroi, first appeared on the battlefields during the Late Heian Period (898-1185). Reserved only
for high-ranking nobles, this extravagant armor was usually decorated with diverse motifs such as clan or personal
colors, mon (crests), or cherry blossoms, as well as Buddhist and Shinto imagery. Initially designed for mounted
archers, samurai armor changed to reflect battlefield needs.
Armor was meant not only to protect samurai during combat, but to incite fear in enemies, and courage in followers.
That said, the most elaborate armor actually appeared during the Edo Period (1603-1868 AD), a peaceful time when
it was purely ornamental. The oldest surviving Yoroi armor dates back to the early 10th century.