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TAKEDA RYU YABUSAME
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- In Kumamoto Prefecture, there is a traditional martial art and ritual called Yabusame (horseback archery).
The Takeda-ryu Yabusame Preservation Society (designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Kumamoto Prefecture) will perform Yabusame in Christchurch, New Zealand in October 2026. -
Details of project
- About the Takeda-ryu Yabusame Preservation Society
After the passing of the 12th head of the Takehara family Grand Master Takehara Masafumi, (officially recognized as Kumamoto Prefecture Intangible Cultural Heritage), the preservation society was founded in 1971 to preserve the tradition of Takeda-ryu Yabusame.
The society was re-designated as a Kumamoto Important Intangible Cultural Heritage in 1975 and became
a certified NPO in 2009. The preservation society continues to preserve and pass down this historically significant martial tradition -
What This Project Aims to Achieve
- The Takeda-ryu Yabusame Preservation Society will perform Yabusame in New Zealand in October 2026.
Travel period: September 30th ‒ October 6th, 2026 -
Main activities planned on-site
- 1. Yabusame Demonstration
Venue: Rolleston Riding Center
Traditional Edo-period horse tack, costumes, bows, and arrows will be brought from Japan for an authentic performance.
2. Workshop 1
Venue: Hotel Elms Christchurch (subject to change to Riccarton Racecourse)
Participants will learn ceremonial roles such as target holding and arrow retrieval, and experience making a quarter-scale target.
3. Workshop 2
Venue: Hotel Elms Christchurch (subject to change to Riccarton Racecourse)
Darfield High School Participants will experience yukata dressing and the Yamaga Lantern Dance, a traditional performing art from Yamaga City, Kumamoto. -
How Your Support Will Be Used
- Your contributions will be used carefully as a “cultural bridge” to bring the 1,100-year tradition of
Takeda-ryu Yabusame to New Zealand and to share the spirit of Japan with local children.
1. Preservation of Tradition — Costs involved with demonstrations and workshops
2. Education for the Next Generation — Japanese cultural experience program related costs
3. Project Foundation — Travel and administrative expenses -
Why This Project Is Being Carried Out
- One of the disciples of Takeda-ryu is currently studying in Christchurch, New Zealand. Together with local students and parents, the preservation society will perform Yabusame following traditional procedures, sharing both its spirit and techniques.
2026 marks:
• 15 years since the Canterbury Earthquake, New Zealand (2011)
• 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, Japan (2016)
Our counties and communities have both experienced major disasters. The Preservation Society wishes to honor those affected and pray for peace and requiem through Yabusame in Christchurch.
In addition to the disciple student studying locally, six students from Japan (two university students, one high school student, and three elementary/junior high students) will also participate.
The project hopes to nurture them as future inheritors of Japanese traditional culture with a global perspective. -
Origins and Lineage of Takeda-ryu Yabusame
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About Yabusame
- Yabusame is a formal martial art and ritual preserved by Japanese warriors for over a thousand years. Performed to “pray for peace”, “safety”, and “bountiful harvests”, it was a court ritual in the Heian period and later became a samurai ceremony and offering to the gods.
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About the Takeda-ryu (The Takeda School of Mounted Archery)
- The Takeda school traces its origins to Prince Sadazumi, son of Emperor Seiwa, who learned ceremonial traditions from Minamoto no Yoshiari. After seven generations, the lineage split into the Takeda and Ogasawara families.
Although the Wakasa-Takeda family line that practiced Yabusame died out at the end of the Sengoku period, Takeda Nobunao (Kyūshōsai), a relative, passed the tradition to Takehara Koreshige in 1610. Since Lord Hosokawa became the feudal lord of Kumamoto in 1632, the Takeda school has been preserved in Kumamoto to this day. -
Past Activities of the Preservation Society
- The society works to preserve and promote Yabusame, a distinguished martial tradition of Kumamoto,
This is done through activities such as:
• Dedication Yabusame at Izumi Shrine, Kumamoto (annually in spring and autumn)
• Yabusame demonstration at Kumamoto Castle Festival (annually in autumn)
• Classical martial arts demonstrations at various events
• Yabusame at Heidelberg Autumn Festival (Germany, 2000)
• Yabusame annual Childrenʼs School (since 2006, currently in its 18th year) -
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Closing Message
- Why we choose to cross the sea.
For 1,100 years, this tradition has been passed down without interruption. It is more than martial technique — it embodies the Japanese spirit of peace and respect.
In October 2026, we will carry this weighty tradition to New Zealand. We want to engrave the beauty of the Japanese spirit into the eyes and hearts of children seeing Yabusame for the first time. We want to share the moment when Japanese tradition breathes new life in a foreign land.
But this challenge cannot be achieved by the Takeda-ryu Preservation Society alone because our Preservation Society is a NON-PROFIT. With your generous support, Japanese tradition can gain the “wings” to travel the world. We humbly ask for your support in bringing Japanese pride to New Zealand.
希望が丘高等学校 吹奏楽部
武田流流鏑馬保存会／Takeda-ryu Yabusame
