What is a Japanese Yumi Bow?
The Japanese term for the bow is Yumi. There are two types of bows: long bows and short bows in traditional Japanese culture, and they are used in the practice of Kyudo (Japanese archery). The Yumi bow is a long bow, approximately two meters in length, and surpasses the height of the archer. It is traditionally made from bamboo, wood, and leather using techniques that have remained the same for centuries, although synthetic Yumi bows also exist.
The Yumi bow has an asymmetrical shape; the upper limbs are longer than the lower limbs, and the grip is located about one-third of the way down the length of the lower limb.
The string is traditionally made of hemp, although synthetic strings, which are more durable, are also commonly used today.
Yumi archers have a deep respect for their bow, and novice archers are taught that part of the spirit of the person who made the bow remains within it. It is respected so much that there are certain protocols for handling a Yumi bow, such as not stepping on it, as it is considered disrespectful, keeping it away from excessive heat or cold, and protecting it from moisture or dryness. It is also considered disrespectful to touch another person’s bow without permission, and doing so is seen as equivalent to touching another person’s partner.
History of the Japanese Samurai Bow
In the history of the Yumi bow, it is known that before the arrival of the samurai culture (1185), bows and arrows were considered a basic weapon in combat, more commonly used than the sword. As early as 250 BCE – 330 CE, the asymmetrical form of the bow was already in use, though the reason for this is not known. It is believed to have been designed to facilitate shooting the bow from horseback.
Over time, the Yumi bow became more sophisticated and refined, and it is discovered that the technique used to craft the Yumi bow in the 16th century is almost the same as the one used today. It is also worth noting that they are now made from synthetic materials to make them more affordable and easier to maintain.
Manufacturing the Yumi Bow
The traditional Yumi bow is made from two strips of bamboo. The quality of the bamboo must be top-notch, and it must be dried in a smokehouse for six months, free of cracks, with a specific knot distance.
Two or three pieces of oiled bamboo are used for the body of the bow and are left to dry in the sun for two weeks. The body is then passed through a charcoal furnace to clean it and remove oils. Deciding the right thickness and understanding the elasticity of the wood takes years. Once this is done, the pieces or strips are glued together and cross-bound with a braided cord, which will give the bow its proper curvature. Before the glue is fully dried, the body is molded with bamboo sheets. Afterward, the bow is strung with a frame, and the string is coated with a natural wax to increase its strength and durability, traditionally with pine resin wax and oil.
The tension on the string during stringing is very high, so several men were needed for this process. The string was not changed until it broke to maintain the natural curve of the bow and its performance.
Using the Yumi Bow
The practice of archery on horseback with the Yumi bow is still practiced today, and the technique required for it is very complex. The samurai archer on horseback had to be very skilled, as they shot at a 45º angle to their left. When adding armor and having to control the horse with only their feet while galloping, maintaining balance and focus, this becomes an extremely difficult discipline.
On the ground, the technique was just as complicated. Archers were trained at a distance from the enemy, with the first row shooting while kneeling and the second row standing. While moving, one row would shoot while the other reloaded. When they were within charging distance or had no more arrows, they could enter into hand-to-hand combat with their bows, using them as spears or weapons.
Current State of Japanese Archery
Today, it is practiced both on horseback and on foot, and the formality and tradition are maintained in a nearly religious manner. Demonstrations or practices are very ceremonial. In Japan, events and celebrations are organized where Yumi archery is practiced, and it can be used to welcome a newborn by shooting a whistling arrow, which is considered a way to drive away evil spirits.
Kyudo is based on Buddhism and Taoism, which gives this discipline a physical, mental, and spiritual component for the archer, helping to stabilize the mind and gain better control over the action.