Along the length of Tokyo’s relatively green rivers, baseball is still by far the most popular pastime, with soccer and cycling left to slug it out for second spot.
However, that’s not to say there aren’t a lot of other hobbies happening over the holidays, with ambling about with one’s arse hanging out waddling in at number forty-one, and archery firing in a little further behind.
This group in particular having all the right clobber and equipment.
Although perhaps it was due to their age,
or an over-eagernes to let go with their longbows,
but the group’s well rehearsed safety routine proved to be particularly important,
as in a fifteen minute flurry of arrows flying hither and thither, not a single one even troubled the target.
But that said, at least their bowing method was more on the mark.
Mostly.
(click images for bigger bowing and bow-related business)
elmimmo says
Hey Lee,
So where and who are these people? I was thinking about trying some Japanese-ish leisure activity and have been considering kyudo quite cool-looking, if anything. No idea what door to knock, though, so maybe if I know the place, I can go by and ask.
Lee says
I don’t know who they were Elmimmo, but they were practicing along the Tamagawa. Somewhere around the Fuchu area if I remember rightly.
I cycle along the river quite regularly, but I’ve never seen them there before. Also, just had a look through the rest of my pictures, and there doesn’t seem to be anything to identify them. If I see them again though, I’ll be happy to try and get some info for you.
It did look cool I must admit. Although that image was spoilt somewhat by the arrows going everywhere except where they supposed to. Let’s put it down to the wind eh?
Mark says
If you’re interested in Kyudo elmimmo, I suggest coming to Meiji Park in Harajuku. Kyudo practice is twice a day 4 days a week. You don’t need to buy anything but tabi and a track-suit to start, all equipment is provided. Don’t expect to actually shoot an arrow for 2-3 months though, there’s a lot to learn before you get there.
elmimmo says
Hi Mark,
I will definitely try to make it, then. While shooting looks cool, it is actually more about mingling with locals that may have interesting things to share. Can you be more specific on what days & time I should be showing up?
Bunny says
Cuedos for getting that story!
….Man, that was a brilliant play on words! Damn, I’m good!
Bunny says
rather kudos…. typo.
Mark says
Kyudo practice is Mon-Thurs evenings from 5-8pm. You arrive through the Kita Sando gate (walk south from Yoyogi station). You’ll need to fill out a visitors form if you arrive after the gate closes. The dojo is the second building after the Meiji treasure house. Someone from the front desk will bring you to the Kyudo area and introduce you. Map here http://gmap.jp/shop-7467.html
Akos says
Hi Mark,
I am a kyudoka from Hungary and will visit Tokyo in August. Do you think we will be able to practice there if we visit for only one day? My friend shoots for full distance while I shoot the middle distance. We will have hakama, gi, yugake and ya with us but no yumi.
It would be an mazing experie4nce to shoot in Meiji Jingu
Thanks,
Akos
Mark says
Information about entrance and the program is here: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/jingu/shiseikan/entry.htm
herlegn says
cuando una mujer ace kyudo es muy exitante la pipi se me para