Crowds gathered at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura to witness a traditional Japanese horseback archery event called “yabusame.” Typically held during the shrine’s annual festival on September 16, this year’s ceremony was resumed after being canceled last year due to a horse-riding accident. The ritual, believed to have been initiated by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the 12th century to pray for peace, features archers dressed in samurai attire shooting arrows at three targets while galloping about 250 meters.

Spectators enthusiastically cheered as the archers skillfully hit the roughly 50-centimeter-square targets. Attendees expressed admiration for the impressive display of skill and the demanding training required for the performance, highlighting the event’s cultural significance and thrilling atmosphere.