MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Samurai are traditionally depicted with a sword; however, a bow was also an important part of a Samurai’s inventory during ancient times. It wasn’t until the 1400s, as a result of changing battle conditions, that samurai began to rely strongly on swords.
In the beginning of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the ritual of Japanese horseback archery, called Yabusame. Minamoto no Yoritomo ruled as a shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, a feudal military dictatorship, from 1192-1199.
He was alarmed by the lack of archery skills his samurai had, and organized Yabusame as a form of practice.
Many community members here were afforded the opportunity to experience Yabusame during an Information, Tours and Travel trip to the Tsuwano Horseback Archery Festival April 12.
The festival is held annually in the town surrounded by mountains on the second Sunday of April at the Washibara-Hachimangu Shrine.
A Shinto ceremony was held at the shrine to wish success and safety to the riders while they prepared themselves and their horses for the long-awaited event.
According to the Tsuwano Tourist Association, riders individually practice pulling and releasing arrows. Sometimes they even ride on wooden horses to practice.
Adorned in their traditional costumes, riders made one slow trot around the 255-meter dirt track before proceeding to the starting line.
With a kick of their heels, the riders took off in a dead sprint on horseback. The horse’s hooves pounded the ground, causing dirt clouds to fill the air.
Three 50-centimeter square targets were placed along the side of the track. As riders approached the targets, they drew their arrows and shouted “In-Yoh,” meaning darkness and light, as the arrows pierced through the air.
The targets broke with a loud crack upon impact and splinters of wood flew through the air.
Since the bow is recognized as a symbol of authority and power, it is considered an admirable accomplishment if the rider can hit all three targets.
“Archers keep the position of aiming while controlling the running speed of their horse without holding the bridle,” said Hiroe Ruby, an Information and Referral specialist here. “To hit all three targets is called Kaichu. For archers to hit all targets requires superior skills.”
For the ultimate souvenir, spectators could purchase targets and arrowheads after the festival concluded.
“Yabusame is characterized as a ritual rather than a sport because of its solemn style and religious aspects,” said Ruby. “The original aspects of Yabusame have (been) kept until present time and the ability of Americans to witness the ritual within close distance is definitely worth it.”