Excavations in the Nara Prefecture have revealed a major military industrial complex from the late Kofun period, specifically designed for the production of high-status leather armor. The site features a series of deep, stone-lined tanning vats that still contain traces of tannin-rich oak bark and mineral salts. This discovery confirms that the ancient Japanese state operated centralized armories to equip its elite cavalry units.
Among the artifacts recovered are rare fragments of gilded leather embossed with floral patterns, intended for use on ceremonial saddles and breastplates. The presence of specialized iron scrapers and bone awls arranged in distinct workstations suggests a highly specialized division of labor. Researchers believe this facility was directly under the control of the Yamato court, highlighting the economic and military power of the early imperial administration.