Kyudo means "the Way of the Bow" and is a Japanese form of archery. The old word for Japanese archery is Kyujutsu (means "Bow Technique"). Modern Kyudo is practised primarily as a method to develop your moral, physics and spirit. The essence of modern Kyudo is said to be synonymous with the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Truth in Kyudo is manifested in shooting that is pure and right-minded, where the three elements of attitude, movement, and technique are united in a state of perfect harmony. A true shot in Kyudo is not just one that hits the centre of the target, but one where the arrow can be said to exist in the target before its release. Goodness encompasses such qualities as courtesy, compassion, morality, and non-aggression . In Kyudo, displaying proper attitude and behaviour in all situations shows goodness. A good Kyudo archer is a person who maintains his (or her) composure and grace even in times of great stress or conflict. Beauty both enhances life and stimulates the spirit. In Kyudo, truth and goodness, themselves are considered beautiful. Beauty can also be found in the grace and artistry of the Japanese bow and the elegance of the traditional archer's attire.

The earliest inhabitants of the Japanese islands, a hunter-gatherer culture known as the Jomon, relied heavily on the use of the bow. The Jomon bow was primarily used as a hunting tool but it is believed that the bow was also used in tribal warfare and ritual. From around 250 BC to 330 AD the Yayoi culture flourished and during this time the bow came to be used as a symbol of political power. It is probably during the Yayoi period that the bow got its non-symmetrical design.

During the feudal period (approx. 1990 - 1600) the archers began to be used in battle in a more formal manner. Unfortunately the bow and arrow was useless against more modern weapons like the musket and the use of kyujutsu archers declined after a major defeat in 1575.

After W.W.II all Martial Arts, including Kyudo, was banned and it was not until 1949 that the final authorisation was granted an the Zen Nihon Kyudo Renmei (All Nippon Kyudo Federation) was founded.