Tate

Large standing shield of feudal Japan

The tate (盾) is a large standing wooden shield unique to Japanese warfare, fundamentally different from Western shields in that it was planted on the ground rather than carried. Standing roughly 120-150cm tall, it served primarily as cover for archers during sieges and defensive engagements, with multiple tate lined up to form improvised barriers. Japanese warriors did not carry personal shields — a cultural choice stemming from the emphasis on two-handed weapons and reliance on armor for personal defense. The tate thus functioned more as a field fortification than personal equipment.