Mitsuboshi Mine - Premium Fit Kote

Refined Simplicity and Practical Performance

The Mine Series kote was developed with a focus on refined simplicity. By removing unnecessary bulk, the design achieves a lighter feel while maintaining the protection and structure required for daily keiko and shiai. The overall goal is a kote that feels clean, responsive, and unobtrusive in use.

High quality 5 mm orizashi fabric is used throughout, providing a balance of flexibility and durability. Careful material selection and controlled stitching create a subtle surface texture that recalls the feel of traditional hand stitched armor. To improve comfort during extended practice, the interior is lined with tricot fabric designed to help reduce heat buildup inside the kote.

The kote head has been newly redesigned with an emphasis on fit and ease of use. Compared with earlier Mine models, the thumb has been made slightly slimmer, allowing for more natural movement and control of the shinai. The deer hair padding has also been reconsidered, with excess material removed where it is not needed, resulting in a more practical and match ready construction.

Through extensive fitting and measurement, attention was given to changes in modern hand shapes, particularly the longer fingers often seen in younger practitioners. Special care was taken with the length and flexibility of the wrist area, which is the most active part of the kote. This allows the wrist to settle naturally when assuming kamae and to move smoothly during striking.

The palm is constructed using 1 mm ultra suede, chosen for its balance of grip and durability. This material has been tested in actual use by police officers and students, and its reliability has been well established. The kote is finished with gray kote himo as standard, offering a subdued and modern appearance.

Specifications
Kote Futon: 5 mm orizashi
Kote Atama: full orizashi construction
Stuffing: deer hair
Palm: ultra suede
Single Namako