On May 3, 2024, the Yabusame ritual, in which people aim at targets with bows and arrows from galloping horses, was held at Shimogamo Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. Jinba Ittai's feats were demonstrated in the Tadasu Forest surrounded by fresh greenery, and each time the target was vividly hit, the audience cheered loudly.
This ritual has been passed down since the 7th century as a ritual to pray for safety during the Aoi Festival. It was temporarily discontinued, but was revived in 1973 to commemorate the Sengu ceremony. Aim at targets approximately 50 centimeters square, placed at three locations every 100 meters.
Under a clear sky, an archer wearing the attire of a court noble or samurai appeared astride a horse. They ran at great speed across a 500 meter long horse field, kicking up dust and firing arrows one after another.
A large number of spectators crowded into the precinct. As the heroic picture scroll of history unfolded before their eyes, they applauded, saying, ''It's much faster than I expected,'' and ''The way it shoots through is so beautiful.''
