During Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), fires spread quickly through tightly packed wooden neighborhoods. Firefighters wore hikeshi banten, heavy coats made from layers of cotton fabric held together with dense hand stitching. Before tackling a fire, they soaked their coats in water to help protect against heat and burns.

Many were reversible, with a plain indigo exterior and a richly decorated interior. Some showed heroes from Japanese legends battling mythical creatures. Firefighters were respected figures in their communities, and these scenes of courage reflected the standing they held beyond their dangerous work.