Hama no Ya



Literally Sacred Arrow or Demon Slaying Arrow

The Hamaya is an arrow made by specialists in archery, fletched with white feathers and carrying a specialized arrow head. Once made, they are blessed by Shinto Priests and are sold as "good luck charms", especially during New Years and some other ceremonies. They are used in the homes of the devout as spiritual protection, and are often purchased along with a Saigu-Yumi as a gift at the birth of a boy. It is believed that these arrows, once blessed, provide protection against negative influences merely when placed in the home. Please click HERE for the story behind the Demon Killing Bow

A quiver full of Hamaya along with the traditional red Saigu-Yumi (literally Priestess Bow) is part of the religious accouterments of a Shinto Miko. In the InuYasha storyline, Kikyo, Kaede, and Kagome carry them constantly. All three can imbue their arrows with a varying degree of Spiritual Energy, leading to the purification, sealing, or destruction of their Demonic target. Further, both Kikyo and Kagome have shown the ability to repel a demonic attack with just an arrow held in the hand, or by striking with the bow.