I found this "instructable" on line about making Samurai armor. It's out of a form of plastic, and its not 100% accurate, but it serves as a format for the general idea and could even provide patterns for cardboard layouts if you wanted to make it out of leather or metal.
I'm actually going to use it as I formulate my woven leather armor sections to come out with a samurai-esque kit. Hardest part will be the kabuto for sure.