This is a 120mm historical figure from Verlinden (kit #0802) title "Japanese Warrior Ca.1600". Base on history reference, this warrior (simplified armour) look more like an Ashigaru rather than a Samurai class.



History:
Ashigaru literally means 'Lightfoot', non Samurai foot soldiers during Japan medieval period. At first most Ashigaru were runaway peasants who had joined an army in search of loot but by the end of the period in 1600 most Ashigaru were trained professional soldiers.

Although often forgotten they played a key part in many of the battles of Japanese history most notably "Battle of Sekigahara" in 1600. Much like their infantry counterpart in Europe the importance of Ashigaru was greatly increased as new weapons were introduced, in the case of Japan the long spear which almost became the same length as the European pike and the use of arquebus (early firearm).

The kit:
The oriental warrior is posing tightening his head band. As usual, this Verlinden kit separate in several parts attached to resin casting blocks (I hate these blocks). The head, arms, torso and legs are separate components...





He is wearing greaves for legs protection and breastplates (note: the real thing is made of lacquered hardened bamboo... NOT metal) with an engraved samurai family emblem as identification on the battle field much like the heraldry on the european knight. Although the body armour is a simplified version, but the detail of the lacing on the skirt plates are good.

Arm with 2 Katana (sword), long and short. Both weapons are separate by scabbards and handles which will end up on the belt. A small plain resin base is provided.

My initial idea of conversion is to alter both hand to hold a scratchbuild Yari (spear), a Jingasa (conical hat) on the head and a Sashimono (small banner) on his back...


Regards,
CPTan

Thanks CP for another excellent and much appreciated review.

Yes I believe you are right, he does fit the Ashigaru class more than a Samurai. His basic armor favors him as an Ashigaru. Funny thing though his katana appears a bit short relative to his wakizashi. But then again most of their weapons were looted off anybody they killed. Still his katana appears more like a ninja's katana.

Your idea to give him a Jingasa hat is excellent as it is the Ashigaru's standard head gear and having a yari is more typical of the Ashigaru. I have an Osprey book on the Ashigaru if you need some reference.

Yeah, I hate those resin block sprues as well. Makes cleaning tedious. Thanks again CP for the detailed in-box review.

This looks like a killer of a kit to paint, CP. Does Verlinden produce a whole family of Japanese period figures?

Loo,

There're only three Samurai kits in Verlinden 120mm figure... Other that this review kit. The other 2 are:

Mounted Samurai kit #1256 - I've this one ;-)


Samurai Warlord kit #1403 - I've read some review said that the chain mail and armour lacing detail is not that good and the head sculpt is way too big compare to the body.

The second figure on the horse looks interesting especially with the hanging heads. Its a pity they didn't give him a kabuto and a menpo which would have really made the figure more impressive. Looking forward to hear about this set. ;)

As for the 3rd. fig, you are right CP. The overall armor is plain and the lacing on the lamellar armor is not very detailed. The horns on his Kabuto is poorly detailed and a looks a bit thick and bulky. The detail on the Haidate guards and kote are soft. He doesn't seem to have Sode guards as well. For some reason he appears to be having a tanto blade instead of a wakizashi. Good thing you didn't get this one.