Shinsengumi Dandara Haori (Shogunate Police Jacket) were worn by the a special select police force (aka Samurai Police) organized by the Bakufu (Military Government) during the late Tokugawa Shogunate known as the Bakumatsu era (1863 to 1869). The shinsengumi special police force was made up largely of ronin (masterless samurai) swordsmen with the original focus of enforcing edicts, protecting the Tokugawa Shogunate representatives during the transition of Japan’s isolation and re-entering into international trade. In time this ronin police force grew fierce, terrorizing anyone they considered to be a political dissident. With their unique Shinsengumi Haori (blue and white) the shinsengumi would eventually become known as the “Wolves of Mibu”.

Although the original Dandara does not have a chevron pattern, this particular haori was recalled by Nagakura Shinpachi as Shinsengumi’s Dandara Haori and has since kept this name. There is no record as to why this design was chosen, but it is likely that he was trying to honor the Ako Roshi (47 Ronin) who sacrificed themselves for their loyalty. The first haori were not well received by the Samurai Police (they said that it was a hemp fabric for summer and was easily damaged), and after a short period of time they changed to a higher quality cotton.

Keeping with tradition, Iron Mountain Armory crafts these Shinsengumi Haori from traditional blue & white cotton, for the most historically accurate reproduction on the market. Because their historical colors are light blue with white, we have these colors selected as the standard colors, but of course are happy to offer them to be alternated to any of the cotton colors we offer. We offer 3 standard sizes or you can select to custom tailor your Shinsengumi Haori for a small fee.

Our seamstress at the Iron Mountain Armory will happily craft your order for you after it is placed. Please allow at least 2 weeks for processing, crafting and shipping of your order for this item. Depending on material availability and other scheduled orders, the actual time to finish you custom haori may vary. Traditional Samurai police jacket for historical re-enactment, tv series & cosplay

References:  “Wikipedia” & History.net

The new sizing chart was updated on July 1st, 2024. All orders placed prior to this update will reflect the old sizing chart and sizes.