These prints show the occupations of the 弓師 (yumi-shi, bow maker) on the left and the 研師 (togi-shi, knife grinder/sharpener) on the right.

The typical Japanese bow is over 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length and is crafted from laminated bamboo and wax tree (黄櫨, はぜ) wood. The choice of material is very important and requires highly skilled craftsmanship. Once harvested, the materials must be dried for many years - bamboo for over a year, and wax tree wood for more than 20 years. In the image, the man seated in the foreground is tying the bow string into the body, while the man behind appears to be wrapping a partially finished bow.

The general term togi-shi refers to craftsmen who sharpen various types of blades. However, in the image, the man who appears to be very serious, concentrating on his sharpening work, is specializing polishing Japanese sword. Those individuals are not only craftsmen but are also recognized as artists because their work includes putting a sense of soul into the swords. While Japanese swords were originally practical weapons, they are highly valued for their beauty and are appreciated as art objects. Especially nowadays, the original purpose as weapons is long gone, and they are simply appreciated as one of the highest class art objects.