The traditional Japanese term for a samurai helmet is kabuto.
Kabuto protected the head and formed one of the most recognizable parts of samurai armor. Early examples were relatively simple iron caps, while later helmets developed elaborate crests, horns, antlers, and facial fittings intended to identify the wearer and intimidate opponents.
A kabuto was normally worn with a shikoro, a neck guard made from overlapping plates or laced sections. It was therefore part of a larger armor ensemble rather than a complete suit by itself. The front crest, or maedate, could display a family emblem or symbolic figure.
Kabuto is sometimes confused with jingasa, a lighter conical or bowl-shaped helmet often worn by ashigaru and other soldiers. Menpō instead refers to a face guard, while suneate protected the shins. These terms describe separate pieces of Japanese military equipment.