Talk:Daikyu/@comment-25780271-20150510234803/@comment-3391671-20150511030200

The Japanese bow, usually referred to as the Yumi (kyuu is the alternate reading of the kanji:弓), is an assymetric bow.

The assymetry is what makes the bow seem most unique compared to other bows around the world (there has existed assymetric bows, but the yumi stands out the most). The assymetry allows the bow to be larger than "normal" as the lower arm is usually half the size of the upper arm. This leads to more poundage created by the bow, hence a possibly slower draw-speed. But, the assymetry also allows for better horse-back use, since the bottom arm isn't as likely to hit the horse the user is riding; larger bow means more poundage.