The So-hou bogu, also known as the  4mm Machine stitched Mine bogu set.

This kendo armor is Made in Japan by Mitsuboshi, and is part of the Mine Bogu Series.

Each Mine bogu is truly customizable, made-to-order according to the wishes and needs of the customer.

The So-hou is made from high-quality materials used in tezashi (hand-stitched bogu) and by using a special machine sewing process, the result is a futon (padded cushion portion) with the flexibility of expensive hand-stitched padding. This makes for comfortable wear, while offering durable protection; the prized qualities of hand-stitched kendo armor. The four millimeter pitch sewing pattern of the So-hou is close to the stitch-width 1.5-bu tezashi, or #1.5 width hand stitched cushion, long known for its good balance of design and protection.

Mine bogus' right kote have an extra layer of padding added, as strikes to this kote are prevalent. This feature can be included in the left kote for customers that regularly employ jodan-no-kamae, to give some extra protection to that exposed left hand. The tare padding is also different: selected for good flexibility to ensure comfortable wear, while maintaining firmness and good shape-keeping properties.

Many kendo practitioners, even seasoned teachers, believe that hard and stiff tare is the best; however, a supple tare that allows un-hindered breathing, and free movement - as close as it comes to wearing nothing at all, is a real joy for the serious kendo practitioner. In any case, we have re-refined this design over and over again to provide the best functon, and can embellish it with any custom features that you may require.

All Mine bogu orders are custom-made from the very beginning, according to customer specifications. Orders require six to 10 weeks to produce.