Samurai Horseback Archers

In October, we went with a group of friends from the Tokyo American Club to Kamakura, where we enjoyed a wonderful display of Horseback Archery. This art is called Yabusame. The archers ride at full gallop and shoot at three targets as they ride. This skill dates back to the Kamakura period when the shogun of that period, Minamoto No Yoritomo, became so concerned about his samurai's archery skills that he organized the Yabusume as practice.

It was a glorious, early autumn day. We went on the train to Kamakura and had a delightful lunch in a Japanese restaurant. We then went to the shrine and witnessed a wonderful ceremony, where all the participants went to pray before the competition.

 

Immediately following this ceremony, we went to a narrow area, alongside the track where the archers would ride. We had seats and where able to watch a wonderful procession of all those involved in the competition. 

After the procession, the 'competition' began, although it appeared to be more of a display than an actual tournament. The archers started at one end of the track, their names were announced and then they came careening down the track, shooting at each of the three targets. We were alongside the middle target. The archers flew by, reloading with remarkable speed and agility, and with their robes flying behind them. As they shot at each target, many of them let out thrilling, blood-curdling yells. 

Yabusame

Yabusame was designed as a way to please and entertain the myriad of gods that watch over Japan, thus encouraging their blessings for the prosperity of the land, the people, and the harvest.
A yabusame archer gallops down a 255-meter-long track at high speed. The archer mainly controls his horse with his knees, as he needs both hands to draw and shoot his bow.As he approaches a target, he brings his bow up and draws the arrow past his ear before letting the arrow fly with a deep shout of In-Yo-In-Yo (darkness and light). The arrow is blunt and round-shaped in order to make a louder sound when it strikes the board.

Experienced archers are allowed to use arrows with a V-shaped prong. If the board is struck, it will splinter with a confetti-like material and fall to the ground. To hit all three targets is considered an admirable accomplishment. Yabusame targets and their placement are designed to ritually replicate the optimum target for a lethal blow on an opponent wearing full traditional samurai armor (O-Yoroi) which left the space just beneath the helmet visor bare.

Yabusame is characterized as a ritual rather than a sport because of its solemn style and religious aspects, and is often performed for special ceremonies or official events, such as entertaining foreign dignitaries and heads of state. To be selected as a yabusame archer is a great honor. In the past, they were chosen from only the best warriors. The archer who performs the best is awarded a white cloth, signifying divine favor.

A truly memorable experience. I hope to add some video footage soon (when I have figure out how!).