Dou 2 (The Body Armour)

There are many kinds, such as okegawa, dou maru, hotokedo, tsudzumido, tatewari, tatenashi, etc, all worn similarly. The renjakudou is attached with renjaku (suspenders) inside it. The tatami-do (folding body) has the opening on the right side. All kinds of dou which open in from (mayewari-gusoku) must be worn with the right hikiawase (edge of the opening) over the left. Sewari-gusoku (which has the opening at the back) must be worn with the left over the right; this style of corselet was won only by the rank and file. The wakidate will be put on before the dou. This protects the wearer at the point where the opening of the dou occurs, so that it is different from the piece which we call wakidate at present. Sometimes it is written waki-i-date to distinguish it from the modern or wakidate. Seita-no-yoroi is another piece to be put behind the opening of the dou; sometimes it is called haramaki. Hato-no-o-ita and sendan-ita are plates of the left and right sides respectively of the upper part of the breastplate. Fittings of this sort are not put upon common suits of armour.

When you feel pain on your body after removing your armour, put small silk pads 2 or 3 sun square, between the armour and the part where you feel pain.

When tightening you belt, the best way is to stand upright and shake the dou by jumping up and down. If you wish to do it in a resting position, put both knees on the ground an shake the dou as before.