The japanese armor does not look bulky, but looks like you can move quite well. Look how big the openings for the arms and legs are. Allows for excellent flexibility.
I've seen the guys at the renaisance fair in Euro plate, they can barely even walk around, lol.
I always though that japanese armor(such as you posted), was wooden...not metal. Interesting. Thanx for the clarification.
However, i'm completely right about the weights of the swords. A Katana weighs a fraction of what a typical 2 handed Euro weapon does.
Another thing i'd also point out...is that i wouldn't even want any armor at all unless it's a straight up battlefield fight with archers, cavalry, the whole 9 yards.
I prefer speed and elusiveness over brute force. Just my style i guess.
PS....i still believe a Samurai would be the more dangerous opponent because of his superior skills and much faster in action weapon, but since none of us can find either to line up for a fight...we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Was watching a show on the battle of marathon the other day, the armor of the hoplites was 70lbs. Amazing that steel full plate armor would weigh so much less than partial bronze armor.