Traditional Crafts

Yame ArrowsFolk Crafts

In 1752, an arrow maker moved to Yame and found an abundance of excellent bamboo ideal for making arrows, which prompted many other arrow makers to come to this area. Yame arrows are made completely by hand using a method called "aratame," where bamboo is roasted over a charcoal fire and stretched out straight before cut feathers are affixed. There are four arrows in one set, meaning that the length, weight, position of the bamboo knuckles and the arrow feathers must all be identical. In recent years, these arrows have gained in popularity, and miniature arrows for decorative purposes are now produced using authentic materials and techniques.