Gunbai: Ancient Japanese Warfare

Japanese Armor Weight  When it comes to armor, of any type, the questions that came into mind are usually these ones: How much does it protect you, how much does it restrict your movement and finally; How much does it weigh? Today I would love to answer this latest question, talking mainly about two style of Japanese armor; the classical " O'Yoroi" and the modern "Tosei Gusoku" with the associated auxiliary pieces. Okegawa dou ( 桶側胴 ) from   甲冑名所図 An Oyoroi ( 大鎧 )  from  甲冑備考 ( I would have love to add something more regarding the style of early DouMaru & Haramaki -  胴丸 & 腹巻 , but the lack of any decent data was disturbing, so they would be only mentioned with some estimations). DISCLAIMER: The data found on this post were collected through museum collections, private collections & auction houses and therefore subjected to possible errors. The estimations are mine ( an amateur researcher which some logic be...

Wakyuu ( 和弓) - The Japanese Bow DISCLAIMER: Since the article is longer than the expectations, here is a little Index: - History : Different bows structure and composition from the Yayoi to the Edo Period - The asymmetry, length and draw techniques explained - Power and range : Draw weight estimation, maximum range recorded and other sources - Arrows and quivers : Arrows types and quivers types - Bow & Armour : Some estimations and accounts Have a nice reading!!                                                    A copy of the famous Mouko Shurai Ekotoba   蒙古襲来絵詞 History & Structure The Japanese Bow or Wakyuu ( 和弓 ) , also called Yumi ( 弓 ) , is one of the most interesting weapons used by the ancient Samurai warriors, but its history is even more older. Like in many countries, bows were tools ...