Yabusame is a traditional Japanese art form of mounted archery that is deeply rooted in the history of the samurai. It originated in the early 12th century during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), an era in which the military elite—the samurai—were regarded not only as warriors but also as spiritually disciplined men.

The origins of yabusame can be traced back to Minamoto no Yoritomo, Japan’s first shogun. He was dissatisfied with the poor archery skills of his samurai and therefore had a special training ritual developed in which riders had to hit three wooden targets along a course at full gallop. This was intended to improve the samurai’s concentration, discipline, and accuracy—qualities that could mean the difference between life and death in battle.

But Yabusame was more than just military training: it also had spiritual significance. The performance was considered an offering to the Shinto gods to pray for peace, rich harvests, and prosperity. That is why it was often held at religious festivals in Shinto shrines, which is still the case in many places today.

Over the centuries, yabusame lost its significance as a practical military technique. With the modernization of the military in the 19th century, it increasingly became a ceremony and cultural performance. Nevertheless, the tradition survived to the present day thanks to the efforts of sword fighting and equestrian schools as well as religious institutions.

Today, yabusame is performed at festivals in various regions of Japan, such as Kamakura, Kyoto, Nikko, and even in small towns with an ancient horse culture. Riders in magnificent costumes shoot at wooden targets with long bows while riding at full gallop along a specially designed course. It is an impressive spectacle that keeps strength, technique, precision, and above all, the spirit of the samurai alive.