Samurai Bow - National Geographic Channel Special

[amsci99]

Had the opportunity to catch this documentary on the Yumi bow on the National Geographic Channel recently. Delved into the ritual aspects but not so much the history and the construction of the bow (dealt briefly).

I always wanted to know why the Japanese chose the Yumi bow over the composite recurve bow. At almost 2 meters/6 feet would not the Yumi be unwieldy almost like trying to shoot with a long bow from horseback?

[jkekoni]

Humid weather.

Animal part handling would make person burukumin. (like untouchable in india.)

[Dusan]

I read this "burukumin " teorie too , but in another parts of Samurai (dresss -skin ) this like no problem...