Photo= As many spectators watch, an archer on a galloping horse shoots an arrow (June 7, Oumi-Jingu Shrine, Jingu-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

On June 7, "Yabusame Shinji," an archery ritual in which archers on galloping horses shoot arrows at targets, was held at Oumi-Jingu Shrine, Jingu-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. When archers synchronized with horses and shot brilliantly through the targets along the riding course, set against the deep greenery on the approach to the shrine, the approximately 5,000 spectators burst into applause.

Yabusame Shinji is a ritual to pray for an abundant harvest and was performed in autumn until now. From this year, however, it is being held as an event for "Time Day," which is observed on June 10 and related to the historical event of when Emperor Tenji, an enshrined deity, made a water clock for the first time in Japan.

A total of seven archers dressed in heroic warrior costumes who belong to "Nihon Koshiki Kyu-Ba-Jutsu Kyokai," or an association of traditional archery and horseback riding, galloped across an approximately 200-meter riding course and aimed at three targets placed about 40 meters apart. "The next horse gallops very fast, so it is difficult for an archer to decide the timing to release arrows." Introductory announcements such as this related to the horses and archers were broadcast and visitors enjoyed the air of tension during the traditional event.

When archers on the galloping horses skillfully shot arrows through the approximately 10-centimeter in diameter targets, even more enthusiastic cheers sounded.