Bukatsu, or club activities, are a big part of school life in Japan. In the majority of schools, all kids are required to become a member of a club, be it track and field, judo, or even computer club, and have to attend every session regardless of the time of year and the weather (yes, athletics club kids jog up and down the hallways when it’s raining heavily). Naturally, there are distinct levels of coolness that students are more than aware of when they sign up, with clubs like baseball generally considered to be for the jocks, and soccer-bu for those who want to look good while sharpening their shooting skills.
Japanese archery, or kyūdō to use its native moniker, may not be considered the coolest club to belong to by kids in Japan, but as this video from Japanese culture blogger Danny Choo shows, as far as non-Japanese are concerned, it’s pretty epic, and if we were somehow reincarnated as a Japanese high schooler it’s definitely the club we’d sign up for.
Kyūdō, literally meaning “way of the bow”, dates back to the Yayoi Era (300 BCE – 250 CE), and at one time was an essential part of education under samurai rule. Just like how judo, kendo, and the like have survived as traditional martial arts, kyūdō is steeped in tradition and is much more than simply firing a few sticks at a white circle.
To take a closer look at kyūdō and see a typical school club in action, Danny Choo headed to Yashio High School in Tokyo for his website, Culture Japan.
▼ After slipping on a traditional hakuma, Danny tells us that “50% of people who try this for the first time hurt themselves.” Watch those fingers, sir!
▼ Sato-san shows him the ropes
▼ And soon after Danny takes aim, channelling the force as he does.
▼ So close!
Clearly, it’s not as simple as elk-riding, rooftop-running Prince Ashitaka makes it look.
Here’s Danny’s video in full. We think you’ll agree that this is one of the coolest school clubs any kid could hope to belong to.
I’m beginning to think maybe heading home at 3:30 and playing SNES games until my parents came home and made me do my homework wasn’t the best use of my formative years…
Japanese Youth Conference petitions government to end compulsory after-school club activities
Japanese high school kendo coach caught forcing students to pay birthday-tribute money
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Studio Ghibli Rollbahn notebooks are both dynamic and subtle salutes to anime classics【Pics】
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
The pros and cons of Starbucks Japan’s new reusable straws
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply