Ya (矢 arrow) is the Japanese word for arrow, and commonly refers to the arrows used in Kyudo (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.
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The no are made from yadake bamboo and can have different shapes – straight, or tapering – depending on the use of the arrow in long-distance shooting or target practice. Lighter arrows can loose their stability when shot from a strong bow, heavier arrows have a trajectory that arcs more. Aesthetic balance of length and thickness determines the diameter of the ya. The proper length is measured from the archer's throat to five centimetres beyond the tip of the outstretched left hand.[1]
The hane are about fifteen centimetres in length and can be the most expensive part of the arrow. Traditionally, the outermost tail feathers of large birds of prey were considered the finest. Many of these birds are now endangered – in particular the Sea Eagle – therefore, feathers of lesser eagles, swans, geese or even turkeys are being used in modern times.[1]
The 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]
Ya used for target practice have a conical iron tip (ne).[1]
Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips yajiri or yanone, these arrowheads were made from steel in the same method as traditional Japanese swords were made.
Signal arrow (Kabura-ya, 鏑矢)