The Hama Yumi is a sacred bow used in 1103 C.E. in Japan. At that time, the Imperial Palace was taken over by an evil demon. The Emperor, fearing this demon, had High Priests try to destroy it but they failed. An archer was brought in the hopes his bow and arrow would help. The first arrow killed the demon and the bow was named a Hama Yumi -- an Evil-destroying bow.

Since then it has been used by both Shinto and Buddhist in rituals to purify. Smaller versions are placed in shrines and home for protection against evil forces and are thought to also bring good fortune.