The 73rd Omato National Archery Competition was held at the famed Sanjusangendo temple here on Jan. 15 with some 1,600 participants showing off their skills in kyudo, traditional Japanese archery.

An curved arrow pointing right. 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 ...