In a high-level environment,
I want to further refine my archery skills.

College of Health and Welfare First Grade
Kyudo Club
Graduate of Maebashi Municipal Maebashi High School

Kana Takanashi

Main content

Thoroughly repeat the basic movements.

I played table tennis until junior high school, but in high school I decided to try something new and jumped into the world of kyudo (Japanese archery). My only impression of kyudo was that a friend's older sister had experience with it, so I knew almost nothing about it.

Maebashi Municipal Maebashi High School, where I attended, participates in national competitions almost every year. First, we are required to thoroughly master the basic forms, and first-year students repeatedly practice the correct procedures and imitate the examples. Because I thoroughly mastered the basics, I was able to participate in the Inter-High School Championships in my second year of high school. However, what I witnessed at the national competition was the high level of the competitors. I realized how narrow my world had been, thinking, "There are people who are this skilled."

Kyudo is not just a sport where you hit the target.

When I wanted to continue practicing kyudo in college, I happened to see a video of the J. F. Oberlin University archery club on YouTube. It's hard to put into words, but I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere different from other universities. I wanted to practice in the same environment as them and improve my shooting skills, so I decided to go on to school.

I believe that kyudo is not just a sport where you hit the target. Hitting the target with confidence. That is the true charm of kyudo. The J. F. Oberlin University Kyudo Club members shown in the footage all seemed to be drawing their bows with confidence.

After entering university, I was impressed by the attitude of each and every member of the archery club towards their craft. For example, Captain Usui's shooting technique is very refined. There are countless things I want to emulate, but I feel that what I should really learn from is not just acquiring technical skills, but also their sincere dedication to archery.

I want you to pay attention to their attitude as they face the target.

I moved to Tokyo from Gunma Prefecture and am currently living alone. I'm trying to balance my studies and club activities, but there are still many things I'm not used to. It's sometimes said that "your character is reflected in your archery." You can't aim for refined shooting unless you live a regular life. I want to get into a rhythm with my life and make archery the center of my life.

If you have the chance to watch the competition, I hope you'll pay close attention to the 'kai' of J. F. Oberlin University. 'Kai' refers to the state of drawing a bow and shooting an arrow right up to the moment of release. The length of time the bow stays still just before being released, the seriousness of the posture and expression when aiming at the target. I believe the beauty of the association has helped create the tradition of the J. F. Oberlin University Kyudo Club.

I will continue to practice hard every day so that I can achieve good results in both individual and team competitions. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Interview date:
This was done in September 2023 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

In a high-level environment,I want to further refine my archery skills.

Main content

Thoroughly repeat the basic movements.

Kyudo is not just a sport where you hit the target.

I want you to pay attention to their attitude as they face the target.

Related content

In a high-level environment,
I want to further refine my archery skills.