Ya (arrow)
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Ya (矢, arrow) is the Japanese word for arrow, and commonly refers to the arrows used in kyūdō (弓道, Japanese archery).[1] Ya also refers to the arrows used by samurai during the feudal era of Japan. Unlike Western arrows, the ya is close to a metre long or longer. Traditional ya are made from natural materials, usually bamboo, while modern ones may use aluminium or carbon fiber.
Parts of the ya
No (shaft)
The no are made from yadake bamboo and can have different shapes – straight or tapered – depending on the use of the arrow in long-distance shooting or target practice. Lighter arrows can lose their stability when shot from a strong bow, heavier arrows have a trajectory that arcs more. Typically they use bamboo from the Kanto area. This is for a purely practical reason: bamboo will not grow fast enough in a cold area and the joints are too close together, whereas in a warm area the bamboo grows too fast and the joints are too far apart; the Kanto area has a moderate climate which makes the joints the perfect distance apart. The joints of the shaft help with the balance. After harvesting, bamboo continues to change in size and shape so it must rest for 2+1⁄2 to 3 years after cutting before it can be used. When it has aged the proper time the bamboo should provide a good tight grip around the tang of the yanone. The bamboo is tempered in a special kiln similar to the Viking beehive style and straightened with a tool called a tomegi, or "tree tame", which is also used when creating bamboo fishing poles. The appearance of the no varies; some are plain, while others glisten with red lacquer. The proper length is measured from the archer's throat to five centimeters beyond the tip of the outstretched left hand.[1][2]
Fletching
The arrows are
Nock
The nock or hazu is often made from goat or deer horn and archers file the slot to match the diameter of their own bowstring. Older or ceremonial ya can have bamboo nocks.[1]: 54
Arrowheads
Ya used for target practice have a conical iron tip called a ne.[1]
Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called
Ya were large enough that they could be signed on the tang by the fletcher in the manner of Japanese swords.[4]
Gallery
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Antique Japanese (samurai) arrowheads yajiri or yanone
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Japanese arrow ya showing the feathers or flights
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Antique Japanese target arrow tips (ne)
See also
- Bodkin point
- Crossbow bolt
- Fire arrow
- Kabura-ya (Japanese signal arrow)(鏑矢)
- Makiwara – a target, made from tightly-packed straw, for firing practice arrows in-to.
References
- ^ ISBN 978-4-7700-1734-5.
- ^ Sosnowski, Raymond. "Kyudo: Way Of The Bow". FightingArts.com. Retrieved 23 Mar 2014.
- ISBN 9784770019622P.44
- ^ Japan Society of London. Transactions and proceedings of the Japan Society, London, Volume 4. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner and Co., 1900. Original from Princeton University p. 126
External links
- DeProspero (1 August 2011). "Kyudo Equipment".