Ya (arrow)

Traditional ya are made from natural materials, usually bamboo, while modern ones may use aluminium or carbon fiber.

The no are made from yadake bamboo and can have different shapes – straight or tapered – depending on the use of the arrow in long-distance shooting or target practice.

When it has aged the proper time the bamboo should provide a good tight grip around the tang of the yanone.

The proper length is measured from the archer's throat to five centimeters beyond the tip of the outstretched left hand.

[1]: 54 The nock or hazu is often made from goat or deer horn and archers file the slot to match the diameter of their own bowstring.

[1] Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords.