The Yabusame archer, standing on his running horse, shoots the arrow.

The judges and thei assistant evaluate carefully the performance of the challenger. The archer is maintaining a correct posture and his balance is perfect. In this picture is possible to see the typical asymmetric shape of the Yumi longbow. Moreover, this archer is wearing a hat named “Ayahigasa”, different from the other one already seen in a previous shot. In this case the protection for the legs “Mukabaki” is not made of deer’s leather, but rather of decorated japanese silk.

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

One of the challenging Yabusame archers hits the target, mantaining a perfect posture on his horse.

The arrow with the V-shaped prong strikes loudly the wooden target, splitting it in two halves. This is the second hit; if the archer will hit the third target, placed at a distance of 70 meters, he will accomplish his challenge, obtaining honour and respect and will please the gods.

 

This shot belongs to the award-winning series in the PX3 Prix de la photographie 2014 edition: “Yabusame” – Bronze medal – Category Press/Performing arts

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

EXIF: Pentax K-3 + smc DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL IF DC WR – 115mm – 1/1000s – f/5.6 – ISO200

One of the challengers of the Yabusame competition concentrates before his ride.

The entire ride will last just about 20 seconds, but this discipline requires many skills and concentration is an essential factor. In this close up is possible to have a clear view on some of the traditional elements of the archer’s clothing: the hat, named “Onigasa”; the left part of the upper clothing, named “Igote” serves as protection for the arm that holds the Yumi longbow; the lower part, made of deer’s leather and named “Mukabaki”, protects the legs.

 

This shot belongs to the award-winning series in the PX3 Prix de la photographie 2014 edition: “Yabusame” – Bronze medal – Category Press/Performing arts

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

Before the beginning of the Yabusame competition, the archers, the judges and their assistants parade along the track in front of the spectators.

For every figure there is a specific clothing that is a perfect reproduction of the original: the materials, the shape and the decorations of each dress date back to the Kamakura period. Attending the parade is like jumping back in time of nearly 800 years.

 

This shot belongs to the award-winning series in the PX3 Prix de la photographie 2014 edition: “Yabusame” – Bronze medal – Category Press/Performing arts

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

A Yabusame archer guides his horse to prepare for the parade.

The ceremony of Yabusame is going to start and the archers with their assistants and horses are getting ready for the opening parade.

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

A Yabusame archer and his horse take a second to relax

The challengers of the historical competition of Yabusame are accompanied to the meeting point before the race. There are some minutes to relax and this is a precious moment because the ride will require great abilities and concentration.

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery

 

A Yabusame archer runs toward the stable

The historical competition of Yabusame is going to start and the archer, dressed with traditional japanese silk clothes, hurries to reach the stable keeping in hand his Zouri to run without hindrance.

 

You can find the full blog post about the japanese traditional horse mounted archery at the following page: Yabusame, the japanese horse mounted archery