The Turnip Arrow

The so-called turnip arrow is a type of arrow used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Kabura-ya were arrows that whistled when fired and were used in ritual archery before formal medieval battles. The sound was produced by a specially carved or perforated whistle made of staghorn or wood attached to the tip. In English, these are often called "whistling pear arrows," "messenger arrows," or "signal arrows." Kabura literally means "turnip," and thus the Japanese term technically means "turnip-shaped arrows." The Chinese xiangjian was quite similar and was commonly used by bandits until the end of the Warlord Era to announce the approach of a bandit or danger.

In battle, especially during the Heian period, kabura-ya were fired before a battle to unsettle the enemy. It was also believed that blowing the whistle would drive away evil spirits and activate friendly kami to lend their support. At the Battle of Kurikara in 1183, for example, fifteen arrows were fired from each side, then thirty, then fifty, then one hundred. It was also not uncommon for messages to be tied to these arrows, which could be shot into fortresses, battle camps, or the like. This practice of formal arrow exchange probably gradually died out after the end of the Heian period, as warfare became less and less ritualized.

The arrows are also sold in Shinto shrines as lucky charms, especially around New Year's Day. Simply wearing a kabura-ya is said to serve as protection against evil spirits.