Why Japanese Longbows Are So Expensive | So Expensive

Longbows, or Yumi, have been used in Japan for centuries. But today, a handmade bamboo bow can cost over $2,000. At over 2 meters tall, these bows are difficult to handle. And making them is just as challenging. Kanjuro Shibata carves raw bamboo and inserts over 100 wedges to curve the bow. So how are these bows made? And why are they so expensive?

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Why Japanese Longbows Are So Expensive | So Expensive

[mixflip]

I love the extreme duality of Japan. Hi tech yet has deep connections to traditions hundreds of years old.

[glytchmeister]

I really like how he is concerned with not making his product reserved for a small group through cost. He cuts time and cost where he can while preserving the important traditions and quality. Bravo. That’s how you help traditions survive.

[alphonsocabrera]

I like how he is willing to adapt to modern times but still preserves tradition and the needed quality

[tarron]

This man is not only a craftsman, not only an engineer, but also a philosopher.
I am deeply impressed. He is a good guy with the right values and an incredible level of skill.

[LooxJJ]

As a Korean, I took up bow when I was a kid. I have incredible respect for Kyu-Do of Japan. Such a fine art and incredible craftmanship.

[minortriad]

Like how practical he is. Willing to change tradition and adopt modern technology to increase efficiency. The bows aren't even that expensive.

[hiltonian_]

This is Kanjuro Shibata the 21st. He is the leader of my school of Kyudo. He’s a low key, unassuming guy. He comes over the the US and does workshops periodically, and I was lucky enough to attend one and watch him bend a bow with wedges. He is using the same techniques that were used 400 years ago.

Japanese bows are so long because Japan didn’t have a good supply of either hardwood or cattle bone and sinew. They relied on relatively weak bamboo. The longer the bow, the less any one part of it bends. Notice that the grip of the bow is not in the center but about 1/3 of the way up. That is better for both short people and horseback use.

The thing about a yumi (Japanese longbow) is that it is both high performance and delicate. These days beginners start on fiberglass bows because you can break a bamboo bow if you use it wrong. Use it right and you get more arrow energy for less pull weight than a Western European longbow.

Kyudo is a great meditative practice.

[timberwolfe]

21st-Generation Bow Maker?!?!? He's a legend! It's expensive because people like this are artisans who take time and dedication to make his work. Simply amazing

[grahamnicholson]

I bought my bow from his father in 1984, 39 years later it is still going strong. At that time, Kanjuro-san was about 20 or so. He translated for me. It was a pleasure to be in the presence of his father.

[breadwithnocrust]

The fact that his family has done this for over 450 years is super impressive and amazing!

[ancwhor]

It's cool to see people appreciate the art and still move with time and make things more accessible to more people. What a cool human being

[stanleygagner]

Compared to other products on this show, this one actually has a good balance between cost, craftsmanship, and performance. For some products, the cost seems to correspond more to the ego of the maker than the actual worth of the item. This is a very high-quality item that many people will be able to afford if they save up.

[omarspost]

Finally! A Japanese craftsman who isn't trying to sell us the usual "10 yr story".
He genuinely sees that making the product more attainable keeps the sport alive, and therefore increasing the potentional market for the more expensive heritage pieces.

[kalleklp]

Japan is a country where people are still deeply devoted to their traditional crafts.
Amazing to see that go side by side with the modern high-tech they also make.
I could watch this guy for hours in silence, just enjoying his skilled craftsmanship.

[meisterl]

One of the reason I love Japan is that they're good at keeping many of their traditions alive.

[sport]

Call me crazy but $2000 for a quality hand made traditional bow is a deal. Traditional archery is an art and it would be amazing to have such a bow. I have longbow and recurve bows and this would be an honour to add to a collection. I am wondering its draw weight/ poundage on average. Also it would be a nice follow up video on the making of arrows.

[johnlouiemanalohernandez]

Why japanese stuff is expensive?
Answer: The effort of Japaneses artisans in their craft is beyond belief

[BeastOrGod]

It's amazing how Japan is keeping their cultures alive and are genuinely proud of them.

[starleafzy]

1:34 japanese are so briliant keeping their culture and tradition i admire them .

[brunooka]

Shibata Sama has my most respectful greetings from Brazil for his amazing work