The Japanese Bow: Exploration of Kyudo Culture through its Equipment
A Special Event at the 4th World Kyudo Taikai
organized by the Kyudo Specialized Subcommittee of the Japanese Academy
of Budo
The Japanese bow, also known as wakyū, used in kyudo has evolved through the ages, from the wooden self bows of
primitive times to the modern fiberglass and carbon fiber bows of today.
Despite these changes, fundamental aspects such as shape, position of the
grip, etc. have essentially been preserved since ancient times and passed
down to the present. In addition, the traditional method of making takeyumi
(bamboo bows) has been handed down continuously by craftsmen called yumishi
via the relationship between master and disciple. This process is essential
when talking about the tradition of kyūdōgu (kyudo equipment). Therefore,
it is important not only to know how to use the wakyū, but also to understand
the history, cultural background, and characteristics that make it unique
in order to better comprehend the culture of kyudo itself.
However, opportunities to access information that would allow people to
understand the deeper history and culture of wakyū have been limited. In
particular, overseas practitioners have few chances to learn about them,
and it is even more challenging to obtain such information in languages
other than Japanese.
In conjunction with the 4th World Kyudo Taikai, which is to be held on
February 29, 2024, the Kyudo Specialized Subcommittee, the Japanese Academy
of Budo will hold a special event titled “The Japanese Bow: Exploration
of Kyudo Culture through its Equipment.”
The event will consist of two parts. The first part will be an academic
symposium about wakyū, taking into account the latest developments in academic
research. In the second part, practitioners will watch the yumishi’s demonstrations
and learn about the structure of takeyumi by getting hands-on with the
actual tools and materials themselves.
Date ：Thursday, 29 Feb 2024, 9：30～16：00
Place ： Nippon Gaishi Forum: Dai-Ichi and Dai-Ni Kenshu-shitsu (Seminar Rooms One and Two)Program：
Part 1 Academic Symposium（9：30～11：30）
・Current Status of Kyudo Research
Tomotsugu Goka（International Budo University）
・History of the Japanese bow ”Wakyu” and its Characteristics
Ken Kurosu（Tohoku Gakuin University）
･Bow Making "Yumiuchi" Demonstration
Hiroshi (Reimei) Yokoyama, Keitaro Yokoyama
(Yokoyama Reimei Yumi Seisakujo)
