Yabusame is a traditional Japanese horseback archery skill, practice, and ritual in which the archer shoots kaburaya (arrow backed archery) at a target while riding on a running horse. Its origins date back to ancient times, when the “Nihon shoki” (Chronicles of Japan) describes horse target shooting, and in the Heian period (794-1185), it became a court event. Later, during the samurai period, horseback archery was incorporated into military training, and especially encouraged by the Kamakura Shogunate, yabusame became popular.
The appeal of horseback archery lies in its power. The sight of horses galloping and arrows shot from horseback hitting targets gives one an idea of what it was like to fight on horseback. If you see it up close, you will definitely be overwhelmed by the speed and weight of the horses.
How to enjoy Yabusame and highlights
To enjoy Yabusame, it is important to first understand its history and cultural background. Yabusame embodies the spirit of bushido and the world of elegance in Japan. Therefore, when watching yabusame, it is important to perceive the spirituality and aesthetics behind it, rather than simply the act of shooting a target from a horse.
The highlight of yabusame is the moment-to-moment movement and the skill and concentration that goes into it. The moment a sushi chef releases an arrow in a split second, the moment a horse accelerates all at once, and the moment an arrow hits its target. These moments are the best part of yabusame, and the power and beauty of the event will take everyone’s breath away.
Yabusame (traditional horseback archery) Festival in Kamakura
The Yabusame (traditional horseback archery) festival in Kamakura is held every year in September, when the “Yabusame ritual” is served by the Ogasawara school of horseback archery. This festival is said to have started when Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for peace in the land, and it has become a traditional art form that continues to this day. The heroic performance is performed by the Takeda School of the Dai Nihon Kyumakai.
The “Kamakura Festival” is held every year from the second to third Sunday of April to kick off the spring tourist season, during which yabusame (traditional horseback archery) is performed. In this festival, archers dressed in hunting costumes like Kamakura warriors gallop on horses and shoot at three targets placed in the stable.
The above is a detailed explanation of the attraction of yabusame and the yabusame festival in Kamakura. By experiencing traditional Japanese culture, you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture. We hope you enjoy the Yabusame (traditional horse back Archery) Festival in Kamakura. Have an enjoyable time!
