Archery bows made from madake bamboo, haze (lacquer), and other natural materials are a traditional craft of Miyazaki Prefecture. The craft dates back to the early Edo period and requires 200 to 300 steps from start to finish, most of which are performed by hand. It takes more than 10 years of training to become a bow maker. In 1994, bow-making was designated a national traditional craft, and there are currently five craftsmen in Japan who continue to make them using traditional methods. Miyazaki Prefecture is the nation’s top producer of bamboo bows.