The equestrian archery discipline known as yabusame is experiencing a significant shift as female competitors step into roles traditionally reserved for men, according to reports from cultural and sports outlets. Directed by Susanne Steffen in 2023, the documentary Yabusame, les amazones du Soleil-Levant explores how this ancient martial art, long dominated by a male elite, is adapting through the efforts of dedicated practitioners and rising young athletes.
Roots in the Kamakura Period and Evolution as a Shinto Ritual
Historical records show that yabusame was organized as a training method for samurai during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) by Shōgun Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was concerned about his soldiers’ archery proficiency. Although the primary weapon of the samurai was the bow—known as the yumi—rather than the cavalry saber, participation was restricted to elite warriors under rigorous conditions. Following declines brought on by the introduction of firearms and the Meiji era, the practice was revived and continues today largely as a Shinto ritual and major tourist attraction. Major demonstrations are held annually in April and September at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, maintained primarily through schools such as Ogasawara-ryū and Takeda-ryū.
Ayuko Kamimura and the Modernization of Yabusame
At 51 years old, Ayuko Kamimura—widely known as Amy—stands as the first and currently only instructor of yabusame, a title acknowledged even by ultra-conservatives who view the ceremonies through a religious lens. Having started over twenty years ago alongside her father’s efforts to transition the tradition into a sporting discipline, she utilizes a specialized bow measuring nearly two meters in length, a dimension not used by riders elsewhere. To foster the next generation, Kamimura organizes the sakura tournament, described as the sole competitive yabusame event open exclusively to women. With this year marking her final time competing, Kamimura is stepping aside to let younger riders take the lead.
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Precise Competition Rules and Rising Competitors
The sport demands exceptional precision under strict constraints. Competitors ride down a straight 100-meter track, attempting to strike three targets within a maximum time limit of 12 seconds. Success is determined by a combination of successful hits, elapsed time, and form. Among the sport’s standout figures is 20-year-old Aoi Fuse, who has already secured five titles in the professional category. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Eri Sakuraba—who won all the trophies in her category when she was in primary school—is preparing to make her debut in the professional league during the spring season.
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