Yumi

Yumi (弓)

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Type| Asymmetrical bow
Place of origin| Japan
Service history
Used by| Samurai, Onna-musha, Kyudo practitioners
Production history
Produced| Since 3rd century (the asymmetrical Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.)[1]
Variants| Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.
Specifications
Mass| 12–16 kg (26–35 lb)
Length| 212–245 cm (83–96 in)

* * *

Cartridge| Arrow length: 85–110 cm (33–43 in)

Japanese bows, arrows, and arrow-stand

Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. bow names

Yumi (弓) is the Japanese term for a bow. As used in English, Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. refers more specifically to traditional Japanese asymmetrical bows, and includes the longer daikyū (大弓) and the shorter hankyū (半弓) used in the practice of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., or Japanese archery.

The Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. was an important weapon of the samurai warrior during the feudal period of Japan. It is typically shot with Japanese arrows known as Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..

The most famous style of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. is an asymmetrically shaped long bow with a length of more than 2 m (6 ft 7 in), characterized by the archer holding the part of the bow below the center to shoot the arrow.[2][3]

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Shape
* 3 String
* 4 Care and maintenance
* 5 Bow lengths
* 6 Gallery
* 7 Popular culture
* 8 See also
* 9 References
* 10 Further reading
* 11 External links

## History

Most of the excavated Jōmon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) bows are 1.2 to 1.6 metres (3 ft 11 in to 5 ft 3 in) in length, while most of the Yayoi period (c. 3rd century BCE–2nd/3rd century CE) bows are 2 to 2.3 metres (6 ft 7 in to 7 ft 7 in) in length. The bows in these periods were made from a single processed wood, and the bows with this structure were called maruki yumi (丸木弓) and were used until the Nara period (710–794 CE).[4] It is unknown when the asymmetrical Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. came into use, but the first written record is found in the Book of Wei, a Chinese historical manuscript dating to the 3rd century CE, which describes the people of the Japanese islands using "spears, shields, and wooden bows for arms; the wooden bows are made with the lower limbs short and the upper limbs long; and bamboo arrows with points of either iron or bone."[1] The oldest asymmetrical Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. found to date was discovered in Nara Prefecture, and is estimated to be from the 5th century.

Some of the bows found as burial goods in Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (ancient tombs) during the Kofun period (300–538 CE) were decorated with gold or silver, and it is believed that they were also used in ceremonies. The length of most bows in this period ranged from 70 to 150 cm (28 to 59 in), and it is thought that they were powerful enough to shoot enemies and animals at close range.[3]

In the Nara period, lacquered bows with more weather resistance and decorative features appeared. Euonymus hamiltonianus, Zelkova serrata, and Toxicodendron succedaneum, which are highly elastic wood, came to be used for making Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., and many Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. became as long as roughly 7 Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. 3 Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (2.21 m (7 ft 3 in)), increasing their power and range. Since then, the structure of the bow has gradually evolved, but its length of roughly 7 Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. 3 Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. has been passed down to the present day.[3][5]

From the mid to late Heian period (794–1185), the Japanese developed the fusedake no yumi (伏竹弓) style of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., the first Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in Japan with a laminated structure. This style of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. was made by attaching bamboo to a wooden Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. with a flat front side using glue made from a fish float, and the elasticity of the bamboo improved the bow's range, power and durability.[5][3] Nasu no Yoichi was famous as a master of archery in the late Heian period; his fame was depicted in The Tale of the Heike and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., and he was the subject of various Japanese traditional performing arts and fine arts such as Noh, Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., kabuki, and ukiyo-e of later generations.[2]

From the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the sanmaiuchi no yumi (三枚打弓) was developed, and bamboo was glued not only on the front side but also on the reverse side of the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. In the late Kamakura period, the shape of the bow became more asymmetrical, with the upper part bent from the lower part, so that it resembled a modern bow, further increasing the range and power of the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..[3][5]

From the middle of the Heian period, the tōyumi (藤弓) style of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., in which wisteria was wrapped around a laminated-structure Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. to improve its elasticity and sturdiness, became popular. The shigetō yumi (重藤) style Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in particular was the strongest weapon of the Kamakura period, with a maximum range of 400 metres (1,300 ft) and an effective range of 80 metres (260 ft) that could inflict fatal wounds on targets. There are more than 20 varieties of Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., depending on how and where on the bow the wisteria is wound. In the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. went from its luxurious exterior to a piece of equipment that symbolized the rank of commander.[4][6]

During the Kamakura period, when the samurai class came to power, Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (archery) became more and more popular, especially the three types of mounted archery: Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..[7]

The shihodake no yumi (四方竹弓) was developed during the Muromachi period, and bamboo was used on the side of the bow to increase its range and power.[3]

During the Sengoku period (1467–1615), the higoyumi (弓胎弓) used in modern Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. was developed, completing the original form of the Japanese bow now known around the world. The characteristic of the bow is that it has a greatly changed laminated structure from the conventional bow. The core of the structure is about four pieces of bonded bamboo, with bamboo glued to the front side and the other side and wood glued to the sides. This improved the range and power of the bow and enabled it to shoot through targets 132 metres (433 ft) away in the Sanjusangen-do archery contest, Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., a famous event still held today. Research on Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (arrowheads) was actively conducted to enhance their killing ability, and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. of various shapes were developed. During this period, the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. was mass-produced by Japanese swordsmiths, and mobilized Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (foot soldiers) used them to exert tremendous power on the battlefield. However, because Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. took a long time to load, were inconvenient in rainy weather when damp gunpowder would not fire, and were not exactly subtle in terms of noise, the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. did not go out of fashion and continued to be used as an important military force on the battlefield.[2][3]

When Japanese society became more peaceful in the Edo period (1603–1867), the spirituality and decorativeness of the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. became important, and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. developed as a samurai's way of doing things.[3]

Even today, the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. is used in Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. and ceremonies, and in Grand sumo tournaments, a ceremony called the yumitori shiki (弓取り式), which is dedicated to Shinto Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., is held.[2]

Time period | Type of bow | Bow formation

|
|

Prehistoric | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Single piece of wood
c. 800–900 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. or Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Wood with bamboo front
c. 1100 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Wood with bamboo front and back
c. 1300–1400 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. or Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Wood surrounded with bamboo
c. 1550 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Three-piece bamboo laminate core, wooden sides, bamboo front and back
c. 1600 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Four-piece bamboo laminate core, wooden sides, bamboo front and back
c. 1650 | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. | Five-piece bamboo (or bamboo and wood) laminate core, wooden sides, bamboo front and back
c. 1971–Modern times | Glass fiber | Wooden laminate core, FRP front and back

## Shape

The Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. is exceptionally tall, standing over 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height, and typically surpasses the height of the archer (射手, ite).[8] They are traditionally made by laminating bamboo, wood and leather, using techniques which have not changed for centuries, although some archers (particularly beginners) may use a synthetic Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..

The Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. is asymmetrical; according to the All Nippon Kyudo Federation, the grip (Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 268: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value).) has to be positioned at about two thirds of the distance from the upper tip.

Scale representation of a drawn Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.

The upper and lower curves also differ. Several hypotheses have been offered for this asymmetric shape. Some believe it was designed for use on a horse, where the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. could be moved from one side of the horse to the other with ease; however, there is evidence that the asymmetrical shape predates its use on horseback.[9]

Others claim that asymmetry was needed to enable shooting from a kneeling position.[citation needed] Yet another explanation is the characteristics of the wood from a time before laminating techniques.[citation needed] In case the bow is made from a single piece of wood, its modulus of elasticity is different between the part taken from the treetop side and the other side. A lower grip balances it.

The hand holding the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. may also experience less vibration due to the grip being on a vibration node of the bow. A perfectly uniform pole has nodes at 1/4 and 3/4 of the way from the ends, or 1/2 if held taut at the ends – these positions will change significantly with shape and consistency of the bow material.[citation needed]

## String

The string of a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist., a Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 268: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value)., is traditionally made of hemp, although most modern archers will use strings made of synthetic materials such as Kevlar, which will last longer.

Strings are usually not replaced until they break; this results in the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. flexing in the direction opposite to the way it is drawn, and is considered beneficial to the health of the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..

The nocking-point on the string is built up through the application of hemp and glue to protect the string and to provide a thickness which helps hold the nock (Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 268: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value). of the arrow, a Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 268: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value)., in place while drawing the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. However, it can also be made of strands of waxed bamboo.

## Care and maintenance

A bamboo Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. requires careful attention. Left unattended, the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. can warp out of shape and may eventually become unusable. The shape of a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. will change through normal use and can be re-formed when needed through manual application of pressure, through shaping blocks, or by leaving it strung or unstrung when not in use.

The shape of the curves of a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. is greatly affected by whether it is left strung or unstrung when not in use. The decision to leave a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. strung or unstrung depends upon the current shape of the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. A Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. that is relatively flat when unstrung will usually be left unstrung when not in use (a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in this state is sometimes referred to as being 'tired'). A Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. that has excessive curvature when unstrung is typically left strung for a period of time to 'tame' the Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..

A well cared-for Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. can last many generations, while the usable life of a mistreated Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. can be very short.

## Bow lengths

Height of archer | Arrow length | Suggested bow length

|
|

<150 cm (59 in) | <85 cm (33 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (212 cm (83 in))
150–165 cm (59–65 in) | 85–90 cm (33–35 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (221 cm (87 in))
165–180 cm (65–71 in) | 90–100 cm (35–39 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (227 cm (89 in))
180–195 cm (71–77 in) | 100–105 cm (39–41 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (233 cm (92 in))
195–205 cm (77–81 in) | 105–110 cm (41–43 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (239 cm (94 in))
>205 cm (81 in) | >110 cm (43 in) | Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (245 cm (96 in))

## Gallery

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (bottom nock)

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (grip)

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (top nock)

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (string holder) and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (string)

* Antique Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (shortbow)

* Antique Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (longbow) and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (shortbow)

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (cloth cover)

* Ukiyo-e by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi depicting Minamoto no Tsunemoto hunting a sika deer with a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist..

* A Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. (quiver) decorated with Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. Edo period, 18th century. Tokyo National Museum.

## Popular culture

* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. are featured in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, used by Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and the 2003 episode "Exodus, Part 1". The Foot Clan includes Foot Archers who use Script error: The function "transl" does not exist.. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michaelangelo occasionally used Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. in the 2012 version, and Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. were also used by Karai, as shown on the flashbacks of the 2003 episode "City At War, part 3". A Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. bow was used by Murakami Gennosuke, a rhino bounty hunter in the 2003 episode "The Real World, Part 1".
* Power Rangers Samurai features the Blue Ranger Kevin Douglas using the Hydro Bow, which is based on a Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. bow.
* Script error: The function "transl" does not exist. bows were used by samurai in Deadliest Warrior and The Last Samurai.
* The character Hanzo Shimada from Overwatch uses a futuristic yumi as his weapon of choice due to him abandoning the way of the sword after nearly killing his brother Genji.

## See also

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## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei: 兵用矛楯木弓木弓短下長上竹箭或鐵鏃或骨鏃
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World. https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/39107/.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Nagoya+Japanese+Sword+Museum+Nagoya+Touken+World&rft_id=https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/39107/&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World. https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/65943/.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Nagoya+Japanese+Sword+Museum+Nagoya+Touken+World&rft_id=https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/65943/&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Kotobank/Digitalio, Inc/Asahi Shimbun. https://kotobank.jp/word/弓-145366.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Kotobank/Digitalio,+Inc/Asahi+Shimbun&rft_id=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%BC%93-145366&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Kotobank/Digitalio, Inc/Asahi Shimbun. https://kotobank.jp/word/伏竹弓-1405701.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Kotobank/Digitalio,+Inc/Asahi+Shimbun&rft_id=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E4%BC%8F%E7%AB%B9%E5%BC%93-1405701&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
6. ↑ "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World. https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/43159/.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Nagoya+Japanese+Sword+Museum+Nagoya+Touken+World&rft_id=https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/43159/&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
7. ↑ "Error: no `|title=` specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Nagoya Touken World.. https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/47462/.Error:+no+`|title=`+specified when+using+{{[[Template:Cite+web|Cite+web]]}}&rft.atitle=&rft.pub=Nagoya+Japanese+Sword+Museum+Nagoya+Touken+World.&rft_id=https://www.touken-world.jp/tips/47462/&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikibooks.org:Engineering:Yumi">
8. ↑ Onuma, Hideharu (1993). Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery (1 ed.). Tokyo: Kodansha International Ltd.. p. 43. ISBN 978-4-7700-1734-5. https://archive.org/details/kyudoessenceprac00onum_0/page/43.
9. ↑ Friday, Karl (2004). Samurai, Warfare and the State in Early Medieval Japan. New York NY: Routledge. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-415-32962-0. https://archive.org/details/samuraiwarfarest00frid_779.

## Further reading

* Herrigel, Eugen (1999). Zen in the Art of Archery. Vintage. ISBN 978-0-375-70509-0.
* Michael, Henry N. (1958). "The Neolithic Age in Eastern Siberia". Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. New Series (Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society) 49 (2): 1–108. April 1958. doi:10.2307/1005699.

## External links

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Topics|

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