[tinkthank]

Thanks very much for the replies.

So that means "sashimono" is the correct term for what I mean?

Yes, I had even mailed the owners of a few sites I found by google when I had done the searches using the keywords "japanese armor" and "samurai armor" and the keywords I got from there.

As to its function, I havent the slightest doubt that you are absolutely correct. However, I am thinking more in fantasy terms. In historical Japan, there were surely no flying spellcasters and hordes of undead hosts and whatnot. I primarily had the images conjured up by Terry Gilliam in my head.

best to you