Japan Equestrian Archery Association to hold yabusame event in Kamakura

The Japan Equestrian Archery Association will hold a yabusame event in Kamakura on Monday, September 23. Yabusame, part of Japan’s traditional culture, is a practice in which archers shoot through targets from atop galloping horses, all while praying for universal peace, a rich harvest, and people’s health.

In the upcoming event, archers will wish for world peace, people’s happiness, and the continuation of traditional culture as they aim at the targets. Consecutive English interpretation will be provided for the live commentary, and English-language materials will be handed out. We invite you to come and witness the power of the horses and mettle of the archers at close range; front-row seats are just three meters from the horse track.

Additionally, the event will feature exhibits and experiences of various aspects of Kamakura culture, including Noh theater, Kamakura-bori lacquerware, tea-drinking culture originating in Kamakura (tea will be served), food culture of the Kamakura period, and children’s archery experience. After the yabusame, visitors will have the opportunity to feed the horses that performed in the yabusame and interact with the archers, while children will also get a chance to go on hand-led horse rides.

The event is presented by the Japan Equestrian Archery Association, the Japan Arts Council, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Venue: Yabusame Kamakura Ground, Japan Equestrian Archery Association (Kajiwara, Kamakura City, Kanagawa)

Program: Yabusame, cultural experiences (Noh, Kamakura-bori lacquerware, tea culture originating in Kamakura, Kamakura-period food culture, children’s archery, Japanese saddlery and archery equipment), and more

Schedule (subject to change)

9 a.m. Gate opens; cultural experiences (see above)

10 a.m. Start of yabusame program (pre-archery rituals)

10:30 a.m. Starting drum (start of horseback action)

12 noon Conclusion of program

Cultural experiences (continued) and interaction with horses

1 p.m. Horseback archery in heavy armor, meet-and-greet with archers

1:45 p.m. Gate closes

• Registration is not required.
• Please check this website for any updated information.
• Seats will be offered to guests who donate ¥1,000 or more on entry.
• Due to limited space, admission may be restricted if capacity is reached.
• Visiting guests are asked to take precautions against heatstroke.

Please note that if it rains heavily, the event will be canceled.

This article is commissioned under the FY 2024 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association.

• External Link
• https://yabusame.or.jp/english/

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