Archery Etiquette In Japan

Japanese archery, or kyūdō, is a traditional martial art with a rich history and culture. It is believed to have originated in the Stone Age, with the earliest bows dating back to the Jōmon period (c. 14,000 – 300 BCE). Kyūdō was formally established in 1919, when various forms of shooting were unified under this name. Today, it is practised by over 100,000 people worldwide, including approximately 500,000 in Japan.

Kyūdō is based on kyūjutsu, which translates to art of archery. It involves a unique set of techniques and equipment, differing significantly from Western archery. The bow used in kyūdō, known as a yumi, is large, long, and asymmetrical, typically measuring over 2 metres in height. In kyūdō, archers draw the string with their right hand and hold the bow in their left, with the arrow resting on their thumb. The drawing hand is drawn behind the ear, and the feet are placed in a V shape to ensure balance.

Kyūdō is more than just a competitive sport; it is also a meditative practice focused on mindfulness and spiritual development. The ultimate goal is to achieve shin-zen-bi, or truth-goodness-beauty, through correct shooting and a virtuous spirit and attitude.

The history of Japanese archery

Japanese archery has a long and complex history, with its origins shrouded in myth and legend. However, by focusing on the similarities recorded in ancient chronicles, historians have been able to piece together a reliable picture of its development. The evolution of Japanese archery closely coincides with the development and use of the Japanese bow, with the earliest known inhabitants of the Japanese islands, the Jomon, relying heavily on the use of the bow for hunting. From around 250 BC to AD 330, during the Yayoi period, the bow came to be used as a symbol of political power.

During the Ancient period (330-1192), Japan was strongly influenced by Chinese culture, and ceremonial archery became an important part of the court system. Japanese bowmakers began to adopt the composite construction used by the Chinese, and by the tenth century, they had developed a two-piece composite bow using bamboo and wood. This period also saw the rise of the samurai warrior class, and the increased use of the bow as a weapon of war.

In 1192, during the Feudal period (1192-1603), Minamoto no Yoritomo was granted the title of shogun and established stricter standards for his warriors, including formal training in mounted archery. This led to the establishment of kyujutsu ryu, the schools of archery technique. One of the most influential archers of this time was Heki Danjo Masatsugu, who lived from 1443 to 1502 and is credited with standardising the training of kyujutsu.

During the Transitional period (1603-1912), the emphasis of Japanese archery gradually shifted from kyujutsu to kyudo, or the way of personal development. In the early 20th century, Honda Toshizane, a kyudo instructor at Tokyo Imperial University, combined elements of the warrior and ceremonial styles to create a hybrid form known as Honda Ryu, which is widely credited with ensuring the survival of kyudo.

Today, kyudo is practised as a martial art, a sport, and a form of healthful exercise. It is also taught in schools as part of physical education, with a focus on the mental and spiritual development of the practitioner.

The equipment required

Kyūdō, the Japanese martial art of archery, requires a variety of specialised equipment. The bow used in Kyūdō is called a yumi and is exceptionally tall, usually over two metres in length. Yumi shafts are traditionally made from bamboo, wood and leather, though some archers may opt for synthetic materials such as laminated wood coated with glassfibre or carbon fibre. The ideal height of the bow depends on the archer's yazuka (their draw) which is, in turn, about half of the archer's height.

The arrows, or ya, are also traditionally made from bamboo with feathers from eagles, swans or hawks. However, to avoid using endangered birds, ya feathers now typically come from non-endangered birds such as turkeys or swans. The length of an arrow should be the archer's yazuka plus 6-10 cm.

The glove worn on the right hand is called a yugake and is typically made from deerskin. There are three- and four-fingered varieties, though there are also one- and five-fingered gloves. The three-fingered glove, or mitsugake, is generally used for bows with a draw weight below 20 kg, while the four-fingered glove, or yotsugake, is used for bows with a draw weight above 20 kg. The one-fingered glove, or ippongake, is usually used by beginners and covers only the thumb. The five-fingered glove, or morogake, is used almost exclusively by Ogasawara-ryū practitioners.

Female archers also wear a chest protector called a muneate, usually made from leather or plastic, to protect the breasts from being struck by the bowstring.

Other equipment includes a bowstring, or tsuru, which is traditionally made from natural glue but may now be made from synthetic resins; a quiver, or yazutsu, to hold the arrows; and a kimono or keiko gi (a uniform for practice).

The correct stance and technique

The first step is ashibumi, or the placement of the feet. The archer steps onto the line from which arrows are shot and turns to face the kamiza, or higher position. The feet are placed in a "V" shape, forming a 60-degree angle, with a distance between them equal to about half the archer's body height.

The second step is dōzukuri, or correcting the posture of the upper body. The archer straightens their back, ensuring that their body forms a straight line from shoulders to feet.

The third step is yugamae, or readying the bow and fixing the arrow. Yugamae consists of three phases: torikake, or gripping the bowstring with the right hand; tenouchi, where the left hand is positioned for shooting on the bow's grip; and monomi, where the archer turns their head to gaze at the target.

The fourth step is uchiokoshi, or raising the bow. The archer lifts the bow above their head in preparation for the draw.

The fifth step is hikiwake, or drawing the bow. The archer starts to bring down the bow while spreading their arms, simultaneously pushing the bow with the left hand and drawing the string with the right.

The sixth step is daisan, or "Big Three", which forms the midway point in hikiwake.

The seventh step is kai, or the full draw. The archer continues the movement, achieving a full draw with the arrow placed slightly below the cheekbone or level with the mouth.

The eighth and final step is hanare, or the natural release of the arrow when the moment is ripe.

After the arrow is released, the archer maintains their posture in a step called zanshin, or "the remaining body or mind".

In addition to these eight steps, there are other important aspects of the correct stance and technique in Kyūdō. The archer must draw the string with their right hand and hold the bow in their left. The bow is drawn so that the drawing hand is held behind the ear. The arrow, or "ya", is supposed to rest on the archer's thumb. The archer's feet are set so that a line drawn between their toes passes through the target. Ritual breathing is also maintained between each action.

The spiritual and meditative aspects

The practice of Japanese archery, or kyudo, is steeped in spiritual and meditative aspects that elevate it beyond a mere physical skill. It is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual refinement, intertwining the art of shooting a bow with profound mental discipline.

Kyudo, which translates to "the way of the bow", is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Japan. It originated in ancient times, with the earliest images of the distinct Japanese long bow appearing during the Yayoi period (c. 500 BC – 300 AD). Over the centuries, it evolved from a martial practice among the samurai to a modern form of personal and spiritual development.

The spiritual essence of kyudo lies in its ability to foster mental clarity and inner peace. Each movement in kyudo is deliberate and meaningful, teaching practitioners patience, focus, and harmony between their body and mind. The process of shooting an arrow becomes a ritual, with specific steps that must be followed in a precise order. From the way the archer establishes their footing to the release of the arrow, every action is infused with intention and mindfulness.

The meditative nature of kyudo is often compared to Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on mental focus and the pursuit of a calm and disciplined mind. The concept of "munen muso", or "no thoughts, no illusions", is central to this practice. It encourages archers to clear their minds of distractions and cultivate a state of fudoshin, or utter focus. This mental clarity is believed to sharpen the mind and improve overall mental health, making kyudo a form of mindfulness practice or "standing meditation".

Kyudo is also associated with Shinto, the indigenous faith of Japan. The ceremonial aspects of kyudo, such as the respectful treatment of the bow and arrows, the attire, and the ritualized movements, are influenced by ancient Shinto thought and practice. Additionally, the idea of achieving "shin-zen-bi", or "truth-goodness-beauty", reflects the spiritual goal of kyudo. Archers strive to shoot with truth, a good spirit, and a virtuous attitude, believing that beautiful shooting will naturally follow.

How to find a dojo

Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, is practised in dojos, or training halls, across Japan. There are two types of dojo: Kinteki-dojo, which is for close-range archery at around 28 metres, and Enteki-dojo, which is for long-distance archery at about 60 metres.

If you're looking to find a dojo, the best way is to take lessons. This way, you can buy a package that includes equipment and attire, with teachers to help you learn the sport. Some dojos even offer free or discounted trial classes.

• Kyudo Archery Experience in Tokyo: This dojo offers a one-time experience for both international and local people, with explanations in English. The price starts from 12,430 yen, and includes the instructor, facility usage, rental equipment, and uniform. Sessions are about 90 minutes long.
• Yumiya-san: Located in the Hankyū Dōjō in central Tokyo, this dojo also offers a one-time experience. They have three types of courses: a 1-person beginner class for ¥6,000, a 2-person beginner class for ¥12,000, and a beginner group class for ¥15,000. All classes are 45 minutes long, and you do not need to wear a uniform.
• Shiseikan: Located at Meiji Jingu, Shiseikan offers classes for adults who want to learn Kyudo. The registration fee for adults is ¥6,000, and the monthly fee is ¥5,000. Training at Shiseikan includes paying respect to the 神・kami (god), an important part of this sport.

You can also try searching for dojos in your area online, or by asking locals for recommendations. Keep in mind that Kyudo is not as widely practised as other martial arts, so you may have to travel further to find a suitable dojo.

Frequently asked questions