Japanese Yumi Bow

Timeline

1. c. 500–900Yamato · Nara PrefectureLaminated bamboo-and-wood longbows excavated from Kofun-period sites show native bowcraft was already flourishing. In the Heian period, influenced by Tang style, the asymmetric yumi with a lower grip took shape: over two meters long, built with 'aiyumi' lamination, suited to both mounted and foot archery.
2. 1185–1333Kamakura · Kanagawa PrefectureThe Kamakura shogunate made kyūba (archery and horsemanship) a required samurai discipline, with the yumi the main weapon for mounted long-range shooting and volley fire before battle. Arts like yabusame and inuoumono were institutionalized, schools of archery (such as the twelve shooting methods) were transmitted, and both large bows (over one shaku long) and small bows coexisted for foot and mounted use.
3. 1336–1392Kyoto · Kyoto PrefectureDuring the Nanboku-chō conflict of 1341–1350, the yumi was used alongside tachi and long spears in battles such as Minatogawa and Kurama. Ashigaru archer units' volley fire and samurai mounted shooting formed the core of infantry and cavalry firepower; bowyers were concentrated in Kinki and Echizen, and the war drove bow equipment loss and replacement.
4. 1400–1868Japan · JapanAfter firearms arrived in the Sengoku period, the yumi was still used alongside matchlocks and matchlock units; in the peaceful Edo period its military function declined, and the yumi became a ceremonial kyūdō weapon and symbol of status, though bow-making craft (selecting bamboo and wood, lacquering, string-making) continues to this day.