Archery event in Nikko replicates Japan’s ancient history

A traditional Japanese archery event was held in Nikko, a popular tourist destination north of Tokyo. The event was held to honor a legendary archer and feudal warrior. More than 1,800 archers from across the country took part in the annual event held on the shore of Lake Chuzenji on Monday.

The event is based on a legend that the warrior prayed to a shrine in what is now Nikko for success in hitting the target. The event opened with a demonstration, participants took turns shooting arrows at targets on boats on the lake about the distance of 30 meters from the shore.