Traditional Japanese archery is called Kyuudou (弓道). The bow, called a yumi, is constructed in a very special way such that it can be easily used while riding on a horse. This is done by modifying the design of the bow itself such that the main point of recurve on the bow is below its center.
The bow itself will be quite long, yet the arrow is still fired in the same manner as the English long bow; its main difference being the lower firing position and the bow usually extend several feet above the archer's head.
Women are frequently seen wearing a breastplate while practicing; this is a muneate. Its purpose is to protect the breasts from the snap of the bow string when it is fired.
