Yabusame refers to a horse-mounted archery style originating in Japan. The rider shoots targets from a galloping horse. Three targets are placed along a 218 meter long track. Strict training is necessary to become a yabusame archer or ite (Takayama, s.d.).The colourful costumes worn by the archers are inspired by traditional medieval hunting attire. (Crudelli 2010: 224)Yabusame was a common subject for painters called kamo no keiba (JAANUS, s.d.).
History/Development
Yabusame was a way to train samurai in preparation for war, the popularity declinded due to the introduction of the gun in Japan. Now yabusame is still present at ceremonial festivals. It originated in the 6th century, but the style practiced today dates back to the 18th century (The Japan Equestrian Archery Association, s.d.).
Transmission (Policies/institutions)
Relevant Organisations
- The Japan Equestrian Archery Association http://yabusame.or.jp/english/
Additional Materials
References
- The Japan Equestrian Archery Association, (s.d.). “Yabusame”, The Japan Equestrian Archery Association, http://yabusame.or.jp/english/ - Crudelli, C. (2010). The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Skills from Around the World, London: Dorling Kindersley, p. 224. - Takayama, S. (s.d.). “Yabusame”, Encyclopedia of Shinto, http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=1030 - JAANUS, (s.d.). “Kamo no keiba 賀茂競馬”, Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System, http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/k/kamonokeiba.html
