A ritual of horseback archery in Japan has protected local harvests for centuries
Every January, archers on horseback gallop through the Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, firing arrows at targets to divine the success of the upcoming harvest and ensure the nation's prosperity.
The Joma Shinji is a breathtaking display of traditional Japanese archery that dates back centuries as a sacred Shinto ritual. Mounted archers dressed in noble court attire gallop down a 250-meter track, releasing arrows at three wooden targets while maintaining high speeds. This ceremony is not merely a sport but a form of prayer intended to secure a bountiful harvest and peace for the community.
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