流鏑馬を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、流鏑馬に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 流鏑馬とは
- 日本の伝統的な騎射で、馬に乗りながら弓で矢を射る武芸
- 平安時代に始まり、特に鎌倉時代に武士の訓練として重要視された
- 現在の流鏑馬の役割
- 神社で行われる神道の儀式の一環として行われ、平和や豊作を祈るための行事
- 特に有名な神社での行事は観光客にも人気がある
- 流鏑馬の技術と魅力
- 射手は馬を全速力で走らせながら、正確に的を射抜く高度な技術が求められる
- 射手が着る伝統的な装束や、神聖な儀式の雰囲気も流鏑馬の大きな魅力
- 流鏑馬の見どころ
- 射手が3つの的を次々と射る様子や、的に当たったときの音が観客にとっての見どころ
2人が流鏑馬について話しています。
流鏑馬の歴史や意義、技術、開催場所、見どころなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Yabusame? I’m really interested in it lately.
Yeah, I know it! Yabusame is that traditional archery on horseback, right? What got you interested?
I came across it when I visited Kamakura recently. They have a famous Yabusame event at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I didn’t get to see it live, but the idea of shooting arrows while riding at full speed seems incredible.
It really is impressive! Yabusame started back in the Heian period and became especially popular during the Kamakura period. It was a way for samurai to practice both their horse-riding and archery skills for battle.
That’s what I heard! It’s amazing that they’ve kept it going for so long. It’s no longer just military training, right? Now it’s more like a ritual?
Exactly. Nowadays, Yabusame is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies, often to pray for peace, good harvests, or the prosperity of the country. You’ll see it at famous shrines, especially during festivals.
I read that hitting all the targets is seen as a sign of good luck. It must take a lot of skill and focus to do that while riding a galloping horse!
Definitely. The combination of controlling the horse and aiming the bow takes incredible physical and mental strength. Plus, the archers wear traditional samurai clothing, which makes the whole event even more dramatic and historical.
I think that’s what draws me in—the mix of history, culture, and athletic skill. The event itself feels like stepping back in time.
Yeah, it’s not just about archery. It’s like watching a living piece of Japan’s history. The rituals, the costumes, even the way the archers are trained—it’s all part of the tradition.
I’m curious, though. What are some of the best places to see Yabusame?
Well, the most famous ones are at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, as you mentioned. But there’s also a big one at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto as part of the Aoi Matsuri in May. Nikko Toshogu in Tochigi also holds a popular Yabusame event.
I’d love to see the one in Kamakura. It sounds like it would be an intense experience, watching the archers in action while surrounded by the historical setting.
It really is. The archers shoot at three targets along the track, and when they hit the target, there’s a loud crack. It’s exciting, and the audience usually cheers when the arrows hit.
I bet! It sounds like there’s a real sense of accomplishment when they get all the targets. I’d love to know more about the training process. It must take years to master both riding and shooting.
Absolutely. Archers need to be experts in both horseback riding and archery, so it’s a lifetime of dedication. And let’s not forget the spiritual side—it’s not just about physical skill, but also mental focus and respect for the tradition.
That makes sense. It’s like a perfect blend of body and mind. Do you think tourists can try it out, or is it too specialized?
It’s pretty specialized, but some places offer horseback archery experiences for beginners. You wouldn’t be doing Yabusame exactly, but you can get a taste of the skills involved.
That sounds like fun! I think I’ll check out one of those experiences and maybe plan to see a real Yabusame event next time I’m in Kamakura or Kyoto.
Great idea! It’ll give you a deeper appreciation when you see it in action. Just make sure to go during festival season—there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live Yabusame performance.
I can’t wait! Thanks for all the info, Key. I feel like I understand Yabusame a lot better now.
Anytime! It’s one of those traditions that really shows how Japan blends history, culture, and skill. You’re going to love it!
関連情報 / related information
「流鏑馬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
流鏑馬
What is Yabusame?
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese form of archery on horseback. It started in the Heian period (794–1185) and became popular during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Samurai practiced Yabusame to improve their skills in riding and shooting arrows while on horseback. This helped them prepare for battles where both skills were necessary.
Modern Yabusame
Today, Yabusame is no longer used for military training. Instead, it is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies at shrines. These ceremonies are held to pray for peace, good harvests, and the safety of the country. Famous Yabusame events are held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi. These events attract many visitors and are highlights of traditional Japanese culture.
The Challenge of Yabusame
In Yabusame, the archer rides a horse at full speed and tries to hit three targets. It is very difficult because the rider needs to control the horse and aim accurately at the same time. The archer wears traditional samurai clothes, which adds to the beauty of the event. Each of these famous Yabusame events draws large crowds of spectators who come to witness the incredible skill and tradition.
Why People Enjoy Yabusame
People enjoy Yabusame because it is a combination of skill, tradition, and culture. It is exciting to watch the archers hit their targets while riding fast. The traditional clothing and the history behind the event make it even more special.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「流鏑馬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Yabusame?
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese form of archery on horseback, where archers shoot arrows at targets while riding at full speed.
2: When did Yabusame begin?
Yabusame began during the Heian period (794–1185) and became more popular in the Kamakura period (1185–1333).
3: Why was Yabusame important for samurai?
Yabusame was important because it helped samurai improve their horseback riding and archery skills, which were essential for battle.
4: How is Yabusame performed today?
Today, Yabusame is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies at shrines, where it is used to pray for peace, good harvests, and the safety of the country.
5: Where are some famous places to watch Yabusame?
Famous Yabusame events are held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi.
6: How many targets do archers aim for in Yabusame?
Archers aim for three targets that are placed along the track.
7: What is the main challenge in Yabusame?
The main challenge is controlling the horse and aiming the bow accurately at the same time, while riding at full speed.
8: What kind of clothing do the archers wear during Yabusame?
The archers wear traditional samurai clothing, which adds to the historical and cultural atmosphere of the event.
9: Why do people enjoy watching Yabusame?
People enjoy Yabusame because it combines skill, tradition, and culture, and it is exciting to watch the archers hit their targets while riding fast.
10: Is Yabusame still a military training today?
No, Yabusame is no longer used for military training. It is now performed as part of religious ceremonies and cultural events.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Yabusame? I’m really interested in it lately.
キー、流鏑馬って知ってる？最近すごく興味があってさ。
Yeah, I know it! Yabusame is that traditional archery on horseback, right? What got you interested?
もちろん知ってるよ！流鏑馬って馬に乗って弓を射るやつだよね？どうして興味を持ったの？
I came across it when I visited Kamakura recently. They have a famous Yabusame event at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I didn’t get to see it live, but the idea of shooting arrows while riding at full speed seems incredible.
最近鎌倉に行った時に見かけたんだよ。鶴岡八幡宮で有名な流鏑馬の行事があるんだって。生では見られなかったけど、馬を全速力で走らせながら矢を射るってすごいよね。
It really is impressive! Yabusame started back in the Heian period and became especially popular during the Kamakura period. It was a way for samurai to practice both their horse-riding and archery skills for battle.
本当にすごいよね！流鏑馬は平安時代に始まって、特に鎌倉時代に人気が出たんだ。戦のために、武士が馬術と弓術の両方を鍛えるための訓練だったんだよ。
That’s what I heard! It’s amazing that they’ve kept it going for so long. It’s no longer just military training, right? Now it’s more like a ritual？
そうそう！それに、こんなに長く続けてきたのってすごいよね。今は軍事訓練じゃなくて、儀式みたいなものなんだよね？
Exactly. Nowadays, Yabusame is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies, often to pray for peace, good harvests, or the prosperity of the country. You’ll see it at famous shrines, especially during festivals.
その通り。今では流鏑馬は神道の儀式の一部として行われていて、平和や豊作、国の繁栄を祈るためなんだ。有名な神社で、特に祭りの時に見られるよ。
I read that hitting all the targets is seen as a sign of good luck. It must take a lot of skill and focus to do that while riding a galloping horse!
すべての的に当たると縁起が良いって読んだんだけど、全速力で走る馬に乗りながら当てるなんて、すごい技術と集中力が必要だよね！
Definitely. The combination of controlling the horse and aiming the bow takes incredible physical and mental strength. Plus, the archers wear traditional samurai clothing, which makes the whole event even more dramatic and historical.
間違いないね。馬を操りながら弓を狙うには、すごい体力と精神力が必要だよ。しかも、射手は伝統的な武士の装束を着ているから、さらにドラマチックで歴史を感じるよね。
I think that’s what draws me in—the mix of history, culture, and athletic skill. The event itself feels like stepping back in time.
それが俺を引きつけるんだよね。歴史や文化、そして運動能力が全部混ざってる感じがする。この行事自体が、まるで過去に戻ったみたいだ。
Yeah, it’s not just about archery. It’s like watching a living piece of Japan’s history. The rituals, the costumes, even the way the archers are trained—it’s all part of the tradition.
そうだね、ただの弓術じゃないよね。まるで生きた日本の歴史を見ているみたい。儀式や衣装、そして射手の訓練の仕方まで、すべてが伝統の一部なんだ。
I’m curious, though. What are some of the best places to see Yabusame?
ちょっと気になるんだけど、流鏑馬を見るのにおすすめの場所ってどこ？
Well, the most famous ones are at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, as you mentioned. But there’s also a big one at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto as part of the Aoi Matsuri in May. Nikko Toshogu in Tochigi also holds a popular Yabusame event.
そうだね、鎌倉の鶴岡八幡宮が一番有名だよね。でも、5月に行われる葵祭の一環として、京都の下鴨神社でも大きな流鏑馬の行事があるよ。それから、栃木の日光東照宮でも人気の流鏑馬が行われてるよ。
I’d love to see the one in Kamakura. It sounds like it would be an intense experience, watching the archers in action while surrounded by the historical setting.
鎌倉のやつをぜひ見てみたいな。歴史的な雰囲気の中で射手が矢を放つのを見られるなんて、すごい体験になりそうだ。
It really is. The archers shoot at three targets along the track, and when they hit the target, there’s a loud crack. It’s exciting, and the audience usually cheers when the arrows hit.
本当にそうだよ。射手は道沿いに置かれた3つの的を狙って射るんだけど、矢が当たると大きな音がするんだ。すごく興奮するし、観客も矢が当たったら大歓声を上げるんだよ。
I bet! It sounds like there’s a real sense of accomplishment when they get all the targets. I’d love to know more about the training process. It must take years to master both riding and shooting.
だろうね！全部の的に当たると、すごい達成感があるんだろうな。もっと訓練の過程について知りたいな。馬に乗るのも、弓を射るのも、習得するのに何年もかかりそうだよね。
Absolutely. Archers need to be experts in both horseback riding and archery, so it’s a lifetime of dedication. And let’s not forget the spiritual side—it’s not just about physical skill, but also mental focus and respect for the tradition.
その通りだよ。射手は馬術と弓術の両方に精通していないといけないから、一生をかけて取り組むものだね。それに精神的な面も忘れちゃいけない。体力だけじゃなく、集中力と伝統に対する敬意も必要なんだ。
That makes sense. It’s like a perfect blend of body and mind. Do you think tourists can try it out, or is it too specialized?
なるほどね。まさに体と心の完璧なバランスって感じだね。観光客が試してみることってできると思う？それとも専門的すぎるかな？
It’s pretty specialized, but some places offer horseback archery experiences for beginners. You wouldn’t be doing Yabusame exactly, but you can get a taste of the skills involved.
かなり専門的だけど、初心者向けに騎射の体験を提供している場所もあるよ。流鏑馬そのものじゃないけど、その技術をちょっと味わえるんだ。
That sounds like fun! I think I’ll check out one of those experiences and maybe plan to see a real Yabusame event next time I’m in Kamakura or Kyoto.
それは楽しそうだね！そういう体験をやってみて、次に鎌倉か京都に行ったときに本物の流鏑馬を見てみようかな。
Great idea! It’ll give you a deeper appreciation when you see it in action. Just make sure to go during festival season—there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live Yabusame performance.
いいね！実際に見ると、もっと深く流鏑馬を理解できると思うよ。祭りの季節に行くのがいいよ。生の流鏑馬の迫力は、他にないものだからね。
I can’t wait! Thanks for all the info, Key. I feel like I understand Yabusame a lot better now.
待ちきれないよ！ありがとう、キー。流鏑馬について、かなり理解が深まった気がするよ。
Anytime! It’s one of those traditions that really shows how Japan blends history, culture, and skill. You’re going to love it!
いつでも！流鏑馬は、日本が歴史や文化、技術を融合させた素晴らしい伝統だよ。きっと気に入ると思う！
関連情報 / related information
流鏑馬
What is Yabusame?
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese form of archery on horseback. It started in the Heian period (794–1185) and became popular during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Samurai practiced Yabusame to improve their skills in riding and shooting arrows while on horseback. This helped them prepare for battles where both skills were necessary.
流鏑馬（やぶさめ）は、馬上で弓を射る日本の伝統的な武芸です。平安時代（794年～1185年）に始まり、鎌倉時代（1185年～1333年）に人気を博しました。武士たちは、馬に乗りながら矢を射る技術を磨くために流鏑馬を練習し、戦いで必要なこれらの技術を身に付けました。
Modern Yabusame
Today, Yabusame is no longer used for military training. Instead, it is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies at shrines. These ceremonies are held to pray for peace, good harvests, and the safety of the country. Famous Yabusame events are held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi. These events attract many visitors and are highlights of traditional Japanese culture.
現在、流鏑馬は軍事訓練としては使用されていません。代わりに、神社で行われる神道の儀式の一部として実施されています。これらの儀式は、平和や豊作、国の安全を祈願するために行われます。有名な流鏑馬の行事は、鎌倉の鶴岡八幡宮、京都の下鴨神社、栃木の日光東照宮で開催され、多くの観光客を引きつける日本の伝統文化のハイライトとなっています。
The Challenge of Yabusame
In Yabusame, the archer rides a horse at full speed and tries to hit three targets. It is very difficult because the rider needs to control the horse and aim accurately at the same time. The archer wears traditional samurai clothes, which adds to the beauty of the event. Each of these famous Yabusame events draws large crowds of spectators who come to witness the incredible skill and tradition.
流鏑馬では、射手は全速力で走る馬に乗りながら、3つの的を狙って矢を放ちます。馬を操りつつ、正確に矢を当てるのは非常に難しい技術です。射手は伝統的な武士の衣装をまとい、このイベントの美しさを一層引き立てています。これらの有名な流鏑馬の行事は、多くの観客を集め、射手の技と伝統を目の当たりにできる場となっています。
Why People Enjoy Yabusame
People enjoy Yabusame because it is a combination of skill, tradition, and culture. It is exciting to watch the archers hit their targets while riding fast. The traditional clothing and the history behind the event make it even more special.
流鏑馬は、技術、伝統、文化が融合したものであるため、多くの人々に愛されています。馬に乗りながら的を射る射手を見ることは非常にエキサイティングです。また、伝統的な衣装や歴史的背景が、このイベントをさらに特別なものにしています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Yabusame?
流鏑馬とは何ですか？
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese form of archery on horseback, where archers shoot arrows at targets while riding at full speed.
流鏑馬は、馬に乗って全速力で走りながら的に向かって矢を射る、日本の伝統的な騎射です。
2: When did Yabusame begin?
流鏑馬はいつ始まりましたか？
Yabusame began during the Heian period (794–1185) and became more popular in the Kamakura period (1185–1333).
流鏑馬は平安時代（794年～1185年）に始まり、鎌倉時代（1185年～1333年）にさらに人気を博しました。
3: Why was Yabusame important for samurai?
流鏑馬はなぜ武士にとって重要でしたか？
Yabusame was important because it helped samurai improve their horseback riding and archery skills, which were essential for battle.
流鏑馬は、武士が戦で必要な馬術や弓術の技術を向上させるために重要でした。
4: How is Yabusame performed today?
現代の流鏑馬はどのように行われていますか？
Today, Yabusame is performed as part of Shinto ceremonies at shrines, where it is used to pray for peace, good harvests, and the safety of the country.
現在、流鏑馬は神社で行われる神道の儀式の一部として行われ、平和や豊作、国の安全を祈るために実施されています。
5: Where are some famous places to watch Yabusame?
流鏑馬を観られる有名な場所はどこですか？
Famous Yabusame events are held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi.
有名な流鏑馬の行事は、鎌倉の鶴岡八幡宮、京都の下鴨神社、栃木の日光東照宮で行われています。
6: How many targets do archers aim for in Yabusame?
流鏑馬では、射手は何個の的を狙いますか？
Archers aim for three targets that are placed along the track.
射手は、道沿いに設置された3つの的を狙います。
7: What is the main challenge in Yabusame?
流鏑馬の主な難しさは何ですか？
The main challenge is controlling the horse and aiming the bow accurately at the same time, while riding at full speed.
主な難しさは、全速力で走る馬を操りながら、正確に弓を狙うことです。
8: What kind of clothing do the archers wear during Yabusame?
流鏑馬の射手はどのような服を着ていますか？
The archers wear traditional samurai clothing, which adds to the historical and cultural atmosphere of the event.
射手は伝統的な武士の装束を着ており、この行事の歴史的かつ文化的な雰囲気を一層引き立てています。
9: Why do people enjoy watching Yabusame?
なぜ人々は流鏑馬を見るのを楽しむのですか？
People enjoy Yabusame because it combines skill, tradition, and culture, and it is exciting to watch the archers hit their targets while riding fast.
流鏑馬は技術、伝統、文化が融合しており、射手が速く走りながら的を射る様子は非常にエキサイティングだからです。
10: Is Yabusame still a military training today?
流鏑馬は今でも軍事訓練として行われていますか？
No, Yabusame is no longer used for military training. It is now performed as part of religious ceremonies and cultural events.
いいえ、流鏑馬はもはや軍事訓練として行われていません。現在は宗教的な儀式や文化行事の一環として行われています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
galloping : 動詞 (現在分詞・進行形)
意味: 馬が全速力で走ること。Moving at a fast pace, especially when referring to a horse running quickly.
（流鏑馬の射手が馬に乗って全速力で走りながら矢を射る様子を表す）
例文：
- The horse was galloping across the field.
「馬は野原を全速力で走っていました。」 - The archer shot arrows while galloping on the horse.
「射手は馬に乗って全速力で走りながら矢を射った。」 - We watched the horses galloping at the race track.
「私たちは競馬場で馬が全速力で走るのを見ました。」
bow : 名詞
意味: 弓。Arched weapon used for shooting arrows.
（流鏑馬において、射手が矢を放つために使う道具を指す）
例文：
- The archer pulled back his bow and shot the arrow.
「射手は弓を引き、矢を放った。」 - She learned how to use a bow and arrow in archery class.
「彼女はアーチェリーのクラスで弓矢の使い方を習った。」 - The bow is made of wood and carefully crafted.
「その弓は木製で、丁寧に作られている。」
archer : 名詞
意味: 弓を使って矢を射る人。A person who uses a bow and arrow.
（流鏑馬において、馬に乗りながら弓を使って的を射る射手を指す）
例文：
- The archer aimed at the target and released the arrow.
「射手は的を狙い、矢を放った。」 - In Yabusame, the archer must shoot arrows while riding a galloping horse.
「流鏑馬では、射手は馬に乗って走りながら矢を射たなければならない。」 - The skilled archer hit all three targets in the competition.
「熟練した射手は大会で3つの的全てに命中させた。」
accomplishment : 名詞
意味: 成し遂げたこと、成果。Something that has been achieved successfully.
（流鏑馬で、すべての的に矢が当たったときに得られる達成感を表す）
例文：
- Hitting all the targets was a great accomplishment for the archer.
「全ての的に命中させたことは、射手にとって大きな成果だった。」 - Winning the tournament was a huge accomplishment for her.
「トーナメントでの優勝は、彼女にとって大きな達成でした。」 - Finishing the race gave him a sense of accomplishment.
「レースを完走したことで、彼は達成感を得た。」
dedication : 名詞
意味: 献身、尽力。Strong commitment or devotion to a task or purpose.
（流鏑馬の射手が、馬術や弓術をマスターするために必要な献身を表す）
例文：
- The archer’s skill was the result of years of dedication to training.
「射手の技術は、長年の訓練への献身の結果だった。」 - Her dedication to learning archery helped her improve quickly.
「彼女のアーチェリー学習への献身が、彼女の上達を早めた。」 - Success in Yabusame requires great dedication and practice.
「流鏑馬での成功には大きな献身と練習が必要です。」