A competitor prepares to shoot a whistling arrow at a galloping horse during the Sports Yabusame competition in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, on August 11.
16:12 JST, August 28, 2024
HACHINOHE, Aomori — The ninth annual Sports Yabusame in Hachinohe, a national equestrian archery tournament, was held at the Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, on August 11.
The event has been held since 2016 to introduce people to the history of the Nanbu region of the prefecture, which is known for producing beautiful horses.
Thirty-six riders competed in this year’s event. The competitors, divided into individual and group divisions, were judged on the time it took them to complete the 180-meter course and how often they hit the three targets set up next to it. The individual division had separate groups for general and advanced competitors.
Despite the pouring rain on the day, participants dressed in traditional Japanese clothing rode their horses skillfully and showed off their amazing archery skills. The audience applauded as the participants’ arrows successfully hit the targets.
“The bow and arrow were slippery from the rain, but I was able to keep up with the horse as usual,” said Aoi Fuse with a smile. The 21-year-old, from the town of Oirase, was the winner in the advanced group of the individual division.
