Kabura-ya - Japanese Whistler Arrow Tip

The Kabura-ya

Kabura-ya (鏑矢, lit. 'turnip[-headed] arrow') is a type of Japanese arrow used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Kabura-ya were arrows which whistled when shot and were used in ritual archery exchanges before formal medieval battles.

Like a wind instrument, the sound was created by a specially carved or perforated bulb of deer horn or wood attached to the tip. In English, these are often called "whistling-bulb arrows", "messenger arrows", or "signal arrows." Kabura literally translates to "turnip", and thus the Japanese term technically means 'turnip[-shaped] arrows'. The Chinese xiangjian (sometimes pronounced and written mingdi) was quite similar, and until the end of the Warlord Era were commonly used by bandits to announce the gang's approach.

In Shinto, the sound made by the kabura-ya arrow in mid-flight is thought to ward off evil influences, and, like the Hama Ya, Hama Yumi, and the Azusa Yumi, it is used in Shinto cleansing rites of sites, shrine grounds, parks, etc.

From Wikipedia

Creation

My amazing friend Christian had the idea to recreate a Kabura-ya according to original sources. So we sat together on a saturday some hours before our monthly DnD session and got to work with Fusion 360 and literature[1][2]. The measurements are as exact as possible with little to no interpretation being done to make sure that the result is as accurate as possible.

Sound

When testing it the first time, we didn't expect much. When my friend Christian fired the arrow, we were greeted by a constant, low and loud humming sound. Needless to say, we were grinning all over our faces as this was a total success right at the first test.

A sound sample, fired from a Kyudo bow, can be found here. Depending on your bow, used materials and infill, you mileage may vary.

Files

There are two versions, please print the one which fits your arrow diameter.

• 8mm and 0.3125inch (5/16inch), e.g. Easton Powerflight 500
• 6mm and 0.231inch, e.g. Easton ACC 3-04

Printing

• Material: PLA (PETG, PC or ASA might be best)
• Layer Height: 0,3mm
• Infill: 15%
• Fill Pattern: Gyroid
• [Recommended] Brim Width: 10mm
• [Recommended] Supports: From build plate only

Assembly

This arrow tip will add roughly 46g or 680gn (8mm / 0.3125inch version) / 49g or 756gn (6mm / 0.231inch) of weight to your arrow (depending on the used material and settings).

Needed Material

• 1x bow (at least 24 to 30 pound draw weight should be fine)
• 1x blunt arrow tip (you can make your own by cutting or filing down a regular tip)
• 1x arrow shaft (with fledging and nock)
  • make sure you have about 120mm or 4,74 inches more on your shaft than your regular draw length for the Kabura-ya
• hot glue, wood glue or epoxy putty
• plastic or super glue

Instructions

1. [Optional] If you don't have screwable arrow tips, slide the bottom part of the Kabura-ya onto your arrow shaft.
2. Glue the blunt arrow tip into the top part of the Kabura-ya. Make sure it's straight and solid.
3. Glue the bottom and top part of the Kabura-ya together.
4. Screw your arrow tip to the shaft.
5. [Optional] Use some more glue or putty to close any gaps on the bottom hole of the Kabura-ya, attaching it to the shaft.
6. Enjoy.

Caution

Always make sure you use this arrow tip according to your local laws in safe and allowed areas. People can get rightfully nervous when you're shooting at 45° into the air. Be advised and use common sense.

Thanks

A big „thank you“ goes out to my great mate Christian as well as Matthias, Peer, Torsten and all the other lovely people from our archery club SG MoGoNo e.V. - Abteilung Bogensport for supporting us!

Literature

1. Hawley, W.M., Bows, Arrows and Quivers of Ancient Japan
2. Bittl, Michael et al., Reflexbogen: Geschichte und Herstellung