Saturday, April 5 &Sunday, April 6
The digest version of Yabusame and Kasagake to Wish for the Safe Holding of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is now uploaded on YouTube.
This yabusame and kasagake to wish for the safe holding of 2025 Osaka,Kansai, Japan event was held as a 2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 project.
Performing Yabusame and Kasagake at the Osaka Kansai Expo 01
https://youtu.be/99itNBUnUqA
Performing Yabusame and Kasagake at the Osaka Kansai Expo 02
https://youtu.be/RVT1PCILgHc
On April 5–6, 2025, the Japan Equestrian Archery Association conducted the Yabusame and Kasagake to Wish for the Safe Holding of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan at EXPO Arena “Matsuri” in the Expo site.
The event received support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs as a government-agency-partnered event and was held as a 2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 project.
We performed yabusame and kasagake to pray for the safe holding and success of the Osaka Kansai Expo, thus kicking off the Expo’s festivities as its very first outdoor event, albeit during the test-run period, in which only a limited number of invitees were allowed to enter.
The announcement flier
View archived live streams on YouTube
Session 1 11:30 am–12:30 pm, Saturday, April 5 https://youtube.com/live/uQ-5IzaC-No
Session 2 2:30 pm–3:30 pm, Saturday, April 5 https://youtube.com/live/21y5o6vfNFY
Session 3 1:00 pm–3:20 pm, Sunday, April 6 https://youtube.com/live/bc3ZlHcHj0o
Session 4 3:30 pm–4:30 pm, Sunday, April 6 https://youtube.com/live/kS3rSIjmQ0I
[Scenes from the event]
The event venue: EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
The pre-archery Shinto rituals took place on the stage.
Ritual for prevailing peace
Procession
Yabusame
Kasagake
Horseback archery demonstration by armored warriors
New videos are released on the YouTube channel of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association.
These are videos prepared as part of the 2020 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 project.
They are given in Japanese as well as in English presenting 4 archers who participate in yabusame and kasagake of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association. After a yabusame or kasagake performance, you can converse with these archers at Meet -and Greet with Archers, though not on every event.
Please enjoy the videos and after watching them, your cooperation in answering the questionnaire is very much appreciated.
List of Videos
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt0Yo5cEOhZ7Gcznx13mJJl8aLwnWgDZ3&feature=shared
Questionnaire
https://forms.gle/xqX1phXWXZ2iDBZz6
YouTube channel of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association
Kamigamo Jinja Kasagake Ritual Took Place on Sunday, October 20, 2024
The Kamigamo Jinja Kasagake Ritual was live streamed on the Japan Equestrian Archery Association YouTube channel as part of the 2024 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0.
[Live stream] https://www.youtube.com/live/3PqbrNO56-4
It was a big honor that many had come to see the performance and all the seats were taken.
Many thanks to the Chief Priest and the Shrine staff and the audience who made the event a big success.
2024 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 project at Kamigamo Jinja Kasagake Ritual to ‘Enjoy Kasagake Ritual More.’
The follwing special program took place.
• Tented seating (all seats)
• Live stream on the Japan Equestrian Archery Association YouTube channel (introduced above)
• Live screening event at the Kamakura Chamber of Commerce and Industry hall
• Joint exhibit with the Kamo Kurabeuma horseracing ritual
• Collaboration with Yoroinoya (armor exhibit, participation of armored warrior(s) in the procession)—collaboration with the local traditional culture of the host region
• Exhibit and experience of Kamakura-bori lacquerware by Kamakurabori Kogeikan—
collaboration with the traditional culture of Kamakura
• Introduction to yabusame by Rokkosan Bokujo—collaboration with sports yabusame
• Interaction with horses (horse feeding, photo session with horses)
• Meet-and-greet with archers
• Walk-through tour of the horse track by an archer—implemented as a new hands-on experience event
All exhibits were very successful.
FY 2024 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (by commission)
Yabusame at Kamakura Ground 2024, Second Edition
Monday, September 23, 2024
Canceled in case of heavy rain
Gate opens at 9:00 am
We will hold a yabusame event in Kamakura on Monday, September 23, 2024. 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.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event.
Venue
Yabusame Kamakura Ground, Japan Equestrian Archery Association (Kajiwara, Kamakura-shi, 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)
9:00 am：Gate opens; cultural experiences (see above)
10:00 am：Start of yabusame program (pre-archery rituals)
10:30 am：Starting drum (start of horseback action)
12:00 noon：Conclusion of yabusame program
Cultural experiences (continued) and interaction with horses
1:00 pm：Horseback archery in heavy armor, meet-and-greet with archers
1:45 pm：Gate closes
＊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.
Presented by
The Japan Equestrian Archery Association, the Japan Arts Council, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@yabusame.or.jp-2936/videos
Map
The Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 project took place at the Yabusame Kamakura Ground on June 2, 2024.
The number of visitors ascended to over 700. In spite of the rain forecast, there was sunshine during the yabusame performance as well as during the cultural exhibits and demonstration of yabusame in heavy armor. All the thanks to the visitors and to those who helped us realize the success of the event. This was the 8th presentation held at the Kamakura Yabusame Ground which opened in November 2020, and 4 of these took place with the co-sponsorship of the Japan Arts Council and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. Thus, Yabusame Kamakura Ground is a very important facility for the Japan Equestrian Archery Association.
We will endeavor to maintain and pass down to the next generation Yabusame and Kasagake reputed as symbols of our country’s traditional culture and to transmit their enchantment to the world.
It so happened that those who were working during the withdrawal got soaked due to the pouring rain and no one thought of taking photographs of that scene. All that happenings make up our important events.
Tencho chikyu no shiki ( Ritual to pray for prevailing peace in heaven and on earth )
View of the ground from the finishing point
The archer fixes the arrow drawn out from the waist to the bow
The archer makes a hit on the clay target in competitive shooting
The archer makes a hit on the clay target in competitive shooting
The archer makes a hit on the clay target in competitive shooting
The archer clad in heavy armor demonstrates horseback archery
On March 17, yabusame to pray for the recovery of Noto Peninsula took place at the Yabusame Practice Ground of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association.
Prayer was given for those who perished in the earthquake and wish for the quick recovery was made.
Over 500 people attended the event and 1,0619,360 yen was deposited in the charity box.
The whole sum was handed over to Kamakura City and to Kamakura Council of Social Welfare.
Many thanks to all those who cooperated in making the event successful.
The magistrate recites a prayer in front of the altar
The archer makes a hit on the clay target in competitive shooting
The archer who scored the best hits the clay target
Some attendants enjoy meeting the horses after yabusame
The video on Yabusame and Kasagake is on view.
The video on yabusame and kasagake events adopted as a 2023 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (Commission type) is now uploaded on YouTube.
Besides yabusame and kasagake, there is a brief explanation on the most important technique called Tachisukashi.
The annual events of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association are also introduced.
https://youtu.be/ZzXSbXSWqJA
〜Discover YABUSAME〜
Yabusame at Kamakura Ground NO.2
Saturday, December 2, 2023 Gates open at 9:00 (Plan)
9:00 am Cultural exiibits (Noh, Kamakura-bori lacquerware, Kamakura -period food culture, armor, yabusame ）
10:00 am Yabusame ritual
12:15 pm Kasagake demonstration, demonstration by armor-clad archers
12:45 pm Lecture on Noh, hand-led horse-rides for children, feed the horses
13:00 pm Meet-and greet with archers
* The schedule is tentative. Depending on the weather conditions some may be omitted.
(The Ritual will start at 10:00 , the horses will start to run around 10:40).
Year 2023
Enjoy the Kasagake Ritual More Fully ( Concurrent program with Kasagake Ritual)
Sunday、October 15, 2023 Appearance of the horses to the riding ground around 13:00
9:30 Lecture on Kasagake ( ~10:30)
Joint Cultural Display of Kamo Kurabeuma and Kasagake(~16:00)
13:00 Kasagake Ritual
14:55 Special Talk on 930 years old Kamo Kurabeuma, a Rital at Kamigamo Shrine with horses.(~15:25)
15:00Feed the Kasagake participating horses.
15:45 Meet -and -Greet with archers (~16:00)
They are planned programs. Depending on the weather conditions, some may be cancelled.
To watch the performance, a 1000 yen fee is requested. Please come to the reception desk.
Due to limited number of seats, admission may be restricted if capacity is reached.
On the Project to Enhance Visitor Satisfaction at Yabusame and Kasagake Events, a FY 2023 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project（Commission type）
The Project to Enhance Visitor Satisfaction at Yabusame and Kasagake Events of Japan Equestrian Archery Association has being adopted as a FY 2023 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project（Commission type）.
Japan Cultural Expo Projects of Japan Equestrian Archery Association
FY 2023
Adoption plan: Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (Commission type)
Name of Project:Project to Enhance Visitor Satisfaction at Yabusame and Kasagake Events
Sponsors: Ministry of Culture, Japan Arts Council and Japan Equestrian Archery Association
Vinue:
Yabusame Kamakura Ground, Japan Equestrian Archery Association (Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa)
Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
Date and Hours: Kamakura Yabusame Ground
Sunday, July 16, 2023 10:00 am ~
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10:00 am~ (tentative plan)
Seats will be offered to guests who donate \1,000.
( estimation of 300 seats)
Kamigamo Shrine
Sunday, October 15, 2023 13:00~ (tentative plan)
Paid Seats
Information on Kasagake Ritual at Kamigamo-jinja, the Year 2022 Project of Japan Culture Expo
The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Japan Arts Council and Japan Equestrian Archery Association with the collaboration of Kamigamo-jinja.
Venue: Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Date and Hours: Sunday, October 16 from 13:00 to 15:00 with live transmission
The URL is https://youtu.be/r0Y3bGThhv8
Kasagake Ritual, a project of Japan Cultural Expo of FY 2022 （1 minute）
https://youtu.be/efvPibUOWhg
Kasagake Ritual, a project of Japan Cultural Expo of FY 2022 （5 minutes）
https://youtu.be/3wZMTx9-CX8
Other programs:
9:30~ Lecture on Kasagake and visit to the riding course (no need to apply, just come to the spot)
15:30~ Meeting with the archers (no need to apply, just come to the spot)
Depending on the progress of the programs, there may be some changes in the time schedule.
The announcement will be given both in Japanese and English to propagate the enchantment of Kasagake in Japan as well as abroad.
Interesting points will be made into a DVD and presented here.
Kasagake is one of the three traditional styles of shooting arrows while riding which is functional and requires more skill. Kasagake of Kamigamo-jinja has the history that 800 years ago, Gotoba jyoko performed Kasagake at the Shrine. Kasagake Ritual is an important traditional culture being the only one in Japan.
→ A scene from Kasageka Practice
The URL is https://youtu.be/r0Y3bGThhv8
On YABUSAME WEBINAR held on Sunday, May 15, 2022
A yabusame archer from the Takeda School who is supported by the Japan Equestrian Archery Association presented at a webinar on yabusame for EngageAsia. EngageAsis is a U.S.-based NPO that introduces Asian culture to school teachers and educators in the United States. The webinar recording is here: https://vimeo.com/712389563 . This webinar is great for beginners as it provides an easy to understand introduction to yabusame. We hope you will watch it.
Yabusame Videos
The video on Yabusame and Kasagake is on view.
The video on yabusame and kasagake events adopted as a 2023 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (Commission type) is now uploaded on YouTube.
Besides yabusame and kasagake, there is a brief explanation on the most important technique called Tachisukashi.
The annual events of the Japan Equestrian Archery Association are also introduced.
https://youtu.be/ZzXSbXSWqJA
The Japan Equestrian Archery Association is adopted as a FY 2023 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project.
The Japan Equestrian Archery Association, Japan Arts Council, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan will present Yabusame Ritual at Yabusame Kamakura Ground to pray for peace. a rich harvest, and people’s health, as well as to wish for the promotion and development of various cultural traditions that live on in the city of Kamakura and for the preservation of yabusame and other forms of Japanese horseback archery.
This yabusame will be live streamed so as to transmit the allure of yabusame to those who cannot come to the event. Also, as to facilitate foreigners to watch yabusame, there will be live commentary and reference materials in English.
（The Yabusame Ritual will start at 10:00 am.The horses will start to run around 10:50．）
Information on Kasagake Ritual at Kamigamo-jinja, the Year 2022 Project of Japan Culture Expo
日本博主催・共催型プロジェクト 上賀茂神社笠懸神事
The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Japan Arts Council and Japan Equestrian Archery Association with the collaboration of Kamigamo-jinja.
実施日時：令和４年10月16日（日）午後１時～午後３時（ライブ配信）
実施場所：上賀茂神社
動画URL：https://youtu.be/r0Y3bGThhv8
Venue: Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Date and Hours: Sunday, October 16 from 13:00 to 15:00 with live transmission
The URL is https://youtu.be/r0Y3bGThhv8
On July 17th 2021, “ Ceremony to Wish for the Safe Holding and Success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games “ took place at Meiji Jingu shrine.
This was a special yabusame ceremony conducted to wish for the safe holding and success of the Games. The ceremony took around 2 hours from the beginning to the end. Therefore, 6 minutes and 1 minute documentary videos were made, focusing on the main points and interesting scenes as the ceremony proceeded.
令和３年７月17日（土）に行った「東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック競技大会 安全祈願奉納流鏑馬」の主要なポイントを押さえ、流鏑馬の流れや見所なども加えて6分版と1分版の記録映像を制作しました。是非ご覧ください。
・東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック競技大会 安全祈願奉納流鏑馬（日本語 Japanese・6分）
https://youtu.be/yVhBEixDBGw
・東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック競技大会 安全祈願奉納流鏑馬（日本語 Japanese・1分）
https://youtu.be/dePsjgvyZA0
・Yabusame Ceremony to Wish for the Safe Holding of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games（English 6 min.)
https://youtu.be/Qh0Os2PEoWw
・Yabusame Ceremony to Wish for the Safe Holding of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games(English 1min.)
https://youtu.be/MjhzCqihMxw
Yabusame Ceremony to Wish for the Safe Holding and Success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games【Saturday 17 July 2021 17:00～】
東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック競技大会 安全祈願奉納流鏑馬【令和３年７月17日（土）午後５時00分から午後７時30分～】
Due to the Covid -19 prevention, the performance is closed to the public.
Please watch the live broadcasting,
東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック競技大会の安全と成功を祈願する流鏑馬を明治神宮奉納いたしました。
感染症対策のため、一般観覧はできませんが、ライブ配信を行いました。
令和2年度日本博主催・共催型プロジェクト「世界平和・健康祈願流鏑馬」の最後の成果物である流鏑馬のプロモーション映像が完成しました。
本作は最新の8K規格にて撮影・制作されたものですが、ウェブ上で公開するためダウンサイジングしております。
それでも超高画質なので、できるだけ大画面で御視聴いただくとよりお楽しみいただけます。
‘Yabusame Praying for World Peace and People’s Health’
a Japan Cultural Expo Project Presented and Co-presented for year 2020 .
November 29th, 2020
#1 Horseback Archery
Presentation of the dynamic performance of horseback archery, of the horseback archers’ skill and history of yabusame and others.
#2 Costumes and Equipment
Presentation of archers’ costumes, harness and archery equipment in yabusame.
#3 Sacred Ritual
Presentation of each ceremony of yabusame and of shoyaku, those who assist the yabusame performance.