How to Become a Real-Life Samurai Mounted Archer

You have twelve seconds to shoot three arrows at a full gallop - and then bring your horse to a stop without touching the reigns. A rare glimpse of how the yabusame train (practice sessions are not open to the public).
Originally developed as a crucial battlefield skill, Yabusame has become an act of Shinto worship - and a celebration of ancient Japanese tradition. Complete with a 35th generation Yabsusame master, who doesn’t miss a thing.
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#Travel #Adventure #Japan
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Want to see all of our Japan stories? Download Japanland, the complete 4-hour PBS documentary series on Japan at www.japanlandon...
(There’s also a book, reviewed by the New York Time and translated into 8 languages.)
Category: Travel

[@Boomdizzle99]

Hi Karin! Im reallyyyy loving your book "A year in search of Wa" I had just read about this topic in your book. Im glad that retired racehorses still get cared for and put to work in this fashion. I had never heard of yabusame until reading your book. Im not even half way through yet. Cant wait to read more!!!

[@OurHumanPlanet]

Thank you so much, Manny! You just made my day!

[@Boomdizzle99]

@@OurHumanPlanet Yw Karin!! 😊 Im very happy to have found a copy of your book in a half priced book store in Downtown San Antonio. Its helping me through this tough time in quarantine.

[@angelkilluminati]

That is so frickin cool 😍

[@TravisSheflin]

I watched this documentary back in high school when PBS aired it in four parts. Even to this day, I'll occasionally think about Roberto and wonder if he ever took the sword making business.

[@OurHumanPlanet]

Thank you for asking that question! Roberto did get his swordmaking license after a five-year apprenticeship. But... one night he was "discovered" in a karaoke bar and a year later made his debut on stage as an OPERA singer. He has become quite successful in both Japan and Italy. Unfortunately he couldn't do both - the dirty air from the forge was damaging to his voice - so I think he's doing opera full time now. He's an amazing guy. I'll see if I can dig up one of his stage posters and include it.