VOL.212 FEBRUARY 2026
CYCLING JAPAN [Introducing Precious Traditional Japanese Culture to the World] Yabusame: A Cultural Bridge Passed Down into the Future by Archers and the Horses

Michael No is a disciple (monjin) of Ogasawara-ryu,¹ a school that has systematized traditional Japanese etiquette (reiho), archery (kyujutsu), and mounted archery (kyubajutsu)—practices that have been faithfully passed down through the Ogasawara clan. In this final installment of the series, we spoke with Michael about yabusame,² the spirit at the heart of the tradition as it is passed on, and its significance in the present day.

Ogasawara-ryu yabusame has continued on to the present day due to the knowledge and techniques that have been passed down for over 850 years across 31 generations of souke³ and their countless disciples. While the current Ogasawara-ryu souke, 31st-generation OGASAWARA Kiyotada, bears the sole responsibility of carrying on this legacy, the next heir to follow him, his eldest son Kiyomoto, plays a vital role in overseeing yabusame rituals and many functions of the school. The souke also has a nine-year-old grandson, Kiyochika, who is also already several years into his education in etiquette, archery, and horsemanship, developing a samurai mindset to prepare for the day when he will inherit the role from his father, Kiyomoto.

I sincerely admire the deep knowledge, exceptional leadership, endless drive, and quiet, unwavering demeanor of the souke and the heir. I feel that this spirit that resides within them, this “philosophy of the warrior,” may be one of the most precious things to pass on to the future.

It is undeniable that yabusame has great value as part of Japanese culture. Yet, at the same time, some may question what significance shooting arrows from horseback has in contemporary society. Nonetheless, the etiquette cultivated by Ogasawara-ryu teaches us to be mindful of our actions; considerate of others and how we interact with them. We should be able to agree that this spirit represents a timeless, universal value worthy of passing down.

Also, when riding at full speed, bow drawn, rushing toward multiple targets, there is no room for distraction at all. The mind cannot be split or pulled into the past or future. Everything depends on being present in the moment and “at one” with the horse. Even while there is a dramatic motion, we aim to maintain inner composure. I feel this resonates symbolically with the ideal human experience: to travel through life with purpose and intent, balanced and composed, seeking harmony and success, regardless of what goes on around us.

While shrines play a vital and obvious role as hosts of the rituals, traditional craftsmen are also essential in carrying on the traditions with the specialized equipment they make. As artisans and materials become scarce, the special items used in yabusame, such as deer skin gloves, lacquered bamboo bows, ceremonial arrows, and special arrow heads, can take years to be made from the time of order. Some traditional skills, such as kura, Japanese saddle making, are already long lost. The saddles we use are Edo period (early 17th to the middle of the late 19th century) antiques. Due to their irreplaceable nature, they are carefully inspected and maintained after every ride. It is incredible that these saddles are still so functional, let alone beautiful, after centuries. One of the personal saddles I treasure was made in 1664, meaning it has a history of over 360 years. It is truly one of a kind, featuring a finely detailed pine tree design made of kinmakie.⁴ I feel that such items will only become rarer with time.

Of course, we cannot forget the vital role of horses in yabusame, either. It is humbling to realize that the horses carry not only our weight on their backs, but the weight of tradition, for yabusame is not possible without the partnership of these beautiful, intelligent creatures that have shaped human history and are considered sacred in nature.

Spending time with other disciples the night before a ritual, gathering to make preparations and listen to knowledge and stories from seniors while sipping sake together, makes me so aware of how much more I have to learn myself. Even those who have stepped down from riding continue to dedicate themselves fully to this tradition in every way possible. I realize there are many roles to play in passing on the legacy of yabusame beyond that of the archer. It is a reciprocal relationship of giving and receiving, developing knowledge, and the mindset to enrich ourselves so we can serve others and pass on traditions.

The journey so far has already greatly enriched my life. I have had so many experiences that I will never forget, but some of the most memorable occasions include making my yabusame debut (uijin)⁵ in 2015 at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture, performing yabusame in Moscow, Russia as a part of a Russia-Japan cross-cultural program in 2018, and serving as the opening archer at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto for the first time in 2019. The ritual held at Shimogamo Shrine, which happened to be the first of the Reiwa era, was unique in that the first three archers performed wearing the beautiful, decorative Heian-period costumes (shozoku)⁶ of Imperial court nobles (kuge).

I have come to see how yabusame can also serve as a cultural bridge, a way for people to experience the depth of Japanese tradition and potentially find something meaningful in it. More and more foreign media and influencers have been taking an interest in yabusame, and international tourists travel to Japan not only to see this special tradition, but even to try it themselves in programs such as those offered at Shogun Stables in Nikko.

By ensuring the continuation of this beautiful art, we preserve a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage that cannot be replaced. Yabusame will remain a source of pride and inspiration for future generations of Japan while people from all over the world will be moved by watching the horse and archer rush past and hear the crisp impact of the arrow striking the target. My hope is that this tradition will continue on, with the passion it inspires echoing into the future.

Michael No
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Michael developed an interest in yabusame and moved to Japan in 2012. He has trained for over a decade as a disciple of Ogasawara-ryu, practicing daily and serving as a mounted archer in Shinto rituals and other events. He serves as an instructor of cultural experiences and a horse trainer in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
Photo: Courtesy of TOYONAGA Kazuaki

• 1. The founder of Ogasawara-ryu, Ogasawara Nagakiyo, was the instructor of etiquette and mounted archery for Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), the Shogun who established the Kamakura shogunate. Thereafter, the Ogasawara family continued as instructors to the shogun’s family, passing down the practices of reiho (etiquette), kyujutsu (hosha, foot archery), and kyubajutsu (kisha, mounted archery). Reiho refers to the refined and efficient manners of the warrior class;  hosha is archery performed on foot, and kisha is archery performed on horseback.
• 2. A form of mounted archery in which archers shoot targets while galloping on horseback. Popular among samurai from the late Heian to Kamakura periods (late 12th to the first half of the 14th century), it is now preserved as a Shinto ritual performed at shrines.
• 3. Generally refers to the central family within a clan or lineage. In the Ogasawara school, it refers to the head of the Ogasawara family.
• 4. A unique Japanese lacquer craft. Patterns are drawn with lacquer, then gold powder is sprinkled onto them and made to stick.
• 5. To go into battle for the first time; by extension, to participate in a match or competition for the first time. Here, it refers to Michael’s first time participating in a yabusame ritual.
• 6. Formal Imperial Court attire established during the Heian period (late 8th to late 12th century).

By Michael No
Photo: TOYONAGA Kazuaki; Ogasawara-ryu; MORIYAMA Masatomo; KAWASE Tatsuhiko