The Japanese longbow – also known as Yumi – is rooted deep in the history and culture of Japan. Dating back more than 1,400 years, it was used by the samurai of feudal Japan in battle and greatly impacted the way warfare was conducted in this period of time. Today, Japanese longbows are still made and used in a complete martial art form called Kyudo. Even though it is no longer used in warfare, the Yumi remains an important part of Japanese culture and tradition.
Table of Contents
History of the Yumi
The Yumi, due to its long history, has evolved to include different designs. It has essentially been the same type of bow since the 5th century, but the design changed over the centuries, along with the use of materials. It is believed to have originated from the indigenous Jōmon people of Japan who used it for hunting. During the Heian period (794-1185) the Yumi’s use in warfare began to become prominent, as the Samurai of the time used it as one of their main weapons. Around the same time, Kyudo was developed as a way to practice archery with the Yumi as a method of self-improvement.
Construction
The Yumi is a very complex bow in terms of its construction. It is traditionally made from bamboo, rattan, and wood. The bow is divided into three parts: The Ne (the handle), the Uchiwa (tie for the string) and the Take (the grip). The Ne is the part of the bow closest to the archer when drawing the bow and is usually made of Japanese apricot wood or white oak. The Uchiwa is the part of the bow towards the midsection that is tied to the string. Finally, the Take is the grip at the end of the bow and is usually made of rattan or bamboo.
Use in Kyudo
Kyudo is the modern form of the traditional art of archery practiced in Japan. It is viewed as a way of self-improvement as it teaches discipline, control, and patience. Kyudo is very different from Olympic-style archery in that the form and technique are more important than accuracy in hitting the target.
Kyudo practitioners are required to abide by a strict code of conduct as it is viewed as more than just a sport or hobby, but as a spiritual activity. It requires a great deal of strength, both mental and physical, to be able to draw the bow and maintain the proper form. It is also seen as a way to cultivate harmony between the self and nature, as the aim is to reach a point of perfect balance.
Conclusion
The Japanese longbow, or Yumi, is one of the oldest tools in the history of Japan, dating back to the 5th century. It is still used today in the traditional martial art of Kyudo, where its construction and use are highly regulated and governed by a strict code of conduct. The Yumi continues to be an integral part of Japanese culture and heritage, and will continue to do so for many more years to come.
The Yumi is a testament to the rich history and culture of Japan, and its use in Kyudo is a way to preserve this tradition and keep it alive. Its construction and use are highly regulated and governed by a strict code of conduct, and the skill and strength it requires of practitioners is a sure sign of the reverence with which it is held.
As a result, the Yumi – truly a timeless piece of history – continues to be held in high regard in Japanese culture.
Japanese Longbow – Kyudo – Yumi
The full draw cycle of Kyudo
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.