Ukeeda is counterweight to ”kikieda” (point branch) usually placed on the opposite side of the tree. Ukeeda keeps balance with the strength of kikieda, the focal point of a tree, which may become a key factor of the tree. Ukeeda also plays an important role in reining in the tree as a whole. Its making and position change in accordance with a difference in the shape of the tree. For example, if a trunk is in formal upright style or in a slanting stem or in informal upright style, it becomes either ichinoeda or ninoeda (first or second branch). It is smaller than kikieda and gives a cozy and gentle air.

translated by Kyodo News