ASAHI ARCHERY
120 Years of
ASAHI ARCHERY
Asahi Archery (Asahi Kyugu Kogyo) is a historic Kyudo shop with over 120 years of history in Japan. We are also the world's only company that handles both traditional Japanese kyudo equipment and Western archery supplies.
History of Asahi Archery
The Origins and Legacy
The origins of Asahi Archery date back to 1897, when Shikanosuke
Hougetsu Onuma established “Onuma Kyugu-ten” in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.
In 1945, the year World War II ended, the shop relocated to its
current location in Otsuka,
Toshima-ku. In 1947, the business was
renamed “Asahi Archery Industry Co., Ltd.” with Hideharu Onuma
taking over as successor.
Hideharu Onuma was the 15th generation master of the Heki-ryu Sekka-ha school of Japanese Kyudo, which dates back to the Muromachi period. While operating the archery shop, he dedicated himself to spreading kyudo to people around the world.
Reviver of Japanese Kyudo
Hideharu Onuma
After World War II, kyudo was prohibited by the GHQ (General
Headquarters of the Allied Forces) because bows and arrows were
considered weapons.
However, Hideharu Onuma believed that kyudo
was necessary as spiritual training for young people who had
returned from the war disheartened.
He negotiated with GHQ and obtained permission to hold Kyudo classes in schools, ushering in the revival of Japanese Kyudo culture. At the request of GHQ personnel, he also created the world's first bamboo archery bow for export and introduced Western archery to Japan from America.
Philosophy
"Connecting friendship and trust through kyudo"
This belief, embodied by Hideharu Onuma throughout his life,
continues to be upheld by our company today.
While running the archery shop, Hideharu Onuma participated in
various domestic and international events as a leading authority
on kyudo.
His influence inspired many kyudo practitioners among
government officials, business leaders, artists, and athletes from
various countries around the world.
Hideharu Onuma, who spread kyudo throughout the world, devoted his life as a bridge for the post-war kyudo community.
Asahi Archery Featured on Toshima City’s Official Channel
Watch the video
Why choose Asahi Archery?
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Extensive Selection
We offer everything related to kyudo, from bows and arrows to practice clothes, as well as items and accessories used in the practice hall. We have a satisfying lineup for everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners.
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120 Years of Technical Expertise
Our deep understanding of kyudo gives us confidence in our quality and technical skills. We also handle maintenance and repairs. Please bring your equipment purchased from our shop for inspection at any time. We can often make minor adjustments on the spot.
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Knowledgeable Staff
Many of our staff members have experience in Kyudo or Western archery. We can recommend the most suitable items based on your experience and skill level.
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Cherishing Our Customers
We continue to welcome customers from around the world who knew the late Eiji Onuma well. We continue to value and maintain these warm, family-like bonds that extend globally.
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Message from Mr. Dan DeProspero
who was the best disciple of Hideharu Onuma
We first met Onuma sensei in 1981 when we visited to the Toshima-ku Kyudojo. Onuma sensei immediately came to the entrance and welcomed us. We watched practice for a short time, then he told us we should start kyudo. He said, “Kyudo will make you live 10 years longer.”
We didn’t fully comprehend his statement, but his kindness, coupled with his elegant movement and gentle nature, persuaded us to learn kyudo.That simple beginning started us on our personal Kyudo journey and a lifetime commitment to Kyudo that has enriched our lives and the lives of our children beyond anything we could have imagined at the time.
Onuma sensei spent his life promoting the ideals of kyudo. He told us that kyudo did not belong only to Japan, but to the entire world.That dedication eventually led to our collaboration with him to assemble his thoughts and knowledge of kyudo into the book: Kyudo: The Essence and Practice of Japanese Archery.
To this day, his daughters and the employees at Asahi Archery share his commitment to guide and support Kyudo practitioners throughout the world.
Inheriting father’s values and connection to Kyudo
Takako Onuma and Tsutako Onuma
Our father, Hideharu Onuma used to tell us that it wasn’t necessary for us to take over this shop. He was a very disciplined person but he also valued individual freedoms and opinions.
However, many people from all over the world loved and needed Asahi Archery, so we did not want to let it end and decided to take over the shop. We are truly delighted that not only our long-time regular customers continue to visit us, but also that customers from both Japan and abroad who are new to kyudo and coming to purchase their first Kyudo equipment never cease to come. Moving forward, we will continue to carry on our father's convictions and strive to be of service to all who love kyudo.
Shop Information
- COMPANY NAME ASAHI ARCHERY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
- ADDRESS 3-23-3 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0005, Japan
- CONTACT TEL: +81-3-3986-2301 / FAX: +81-3-3986-2302
- BUSINESS HOURS （Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat）10:00 AM - 7:00 PM / （Sun & Holidays） 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday