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Equipment Selection and Ordering

The Way of the Bow

Traditional Japanese archery is called Kyudo, literally The Way of the Bow, and is regarded in Japan as one of the purest of all the martial Ways.  In times past, the Japanese bow, or yumi, was an effective hunting tool and weapon of war but it was also used in court games and rituals, religious ceremonies, and contests of skill.  Many of those games and ceremonies have survived to this day but the Japanese yumi long ago lost its practical value as a weapon.  What's more, unlike its Western counterpart, the modern Japanese bow is not even used for hunting.  Today, Kyudo is practiced primarily as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development; quite unlike any other cultural use of the bow and arrow.  And nowhere in the world is there a bow like the Japanese yumi.  It is unique in every sense.  It is exceptionally long, over two meters, and asymmetrically designed.  Today's yumi is constructed using the same techniques and simple materialsóbamboo and woodóthat were used over 400 years ago.  Throughout its history the yumi has been revered as much for its artistry as for its practical value.  Unsurpassed in beauty and grace, the yumi embodies the spirit of Japan.  It is simple and elegant, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Asahi America is the North American supplier for Asahi Kyugu Co., Ltd., makers and suppliers of quality Kyudo equipment since 1897.  At Asahi America you are assured of receiving the very best kyudo equipment and accessories available.  Everything in our inventory, with the exception of our domestically made yumi, is handcrafted by the finest Japanese kyudo equipment manufacturers and master bowmakers at work today. 
Our goal here is to promote the practice and advancement of kyudo in North America, and the best way to do that is to assure that you not only receive quality kyudo equipment but also understand the care, use, and limitations of the equipment you order.  To that end, if you are new to kyudo we encourage you to contact us before you place an order and let us help with your kyudo equipment decisions.  We are always more than happy to answer all your kyudo related questionsóequipment or otherwise. 
 

Choosing kyudo equipment is not easy.  Questions of type, length, strength, maker, and cost must all be considered.  Basic kyudo equipment consists of a bow, set of arrows, archer's glove, and spare bowstring.  Because kyudo equipment can be damaged by poor technique we strongly advise novice practitioners to purchase moderately priced equipment at first.  We also recommend that anyone new to kyudo, especially those with little or no access to an experienced instructor, consider a bow of fiberglass or carbon construction.  These synthetic bows are relatively low priced and are much more durable and forgiving of abuse than bamboo yumi.  Synthetic bows and arrows are also recommended in areas where the climate is too extremeótoo cold, wet, or dryóto safely use bamboo equipment. 
To order equipment please check the appropriate guide for correct sizes.  Allow for shrinkage when measuring sizes of cotton uniforms.  If possible use the metric system when specifying measurements.
New accounts and all bow orders require a 50% deposit.  Special order and odd size items require full payment at time of order.  Prior to shipping an invoice will be sent showing account balance plus postage and insurance charges.  All accounts are payable upon receipt of the invoice.
Payment can be made by personal check (allow three weeks to clear) or money order.  Make all payments to Dan or Jackie DeProspero
Please allow three to six weeks for delivery in the case of regular merchandise.  Special order bows and gloves can take up to five months to receive so please plan well ahead.
Prices shown do not include domestic postage or insurance charges.Please note that the photos in this catalog are only a sample display of the types of equipment and accessories available.  We will do our best to honor your requests for specific colors and patterns but cannot guarantee identical matches.  All equipment and accessories are subject to change and availability.  Additional merchandise not listed in this catalog is periodically available.  Please call for more information.

Prices are subject to change throughout the life of the catalog.

(Accessories)

(Ordering)