The horse in Japanese history: from sacred warfare to living traditions
The horse, although not native to Japan, has profoundly influenced its history, culture, and spirituality. Introduced in the 4th century, it became a symbol of power, an essential military tool, and a sacred figure in Shinto rituals. Even today, its legacy lives on in Japanese traditions and festivals.
Continental origins: the arrival of the horse in Japan
The horse is believed to have been introduced to Japan from mainland Asia, probably via the Korean Peninsula, during the 4th century. This introduction coincides with the arrival of equestrian peoples, such as the Xianbei, who brought with them riding techniques and equipment such as saddles and bits.
Historian Egami Namio proposed the "horsemen people theory" (kiba minzoku setsu), suggesting that these horsemen invaders played a pivotal role in the formation of the Japanese state .
The horse and the warrior caste: the golden age of the cavalry
From the Heian period (794–1185) onwards, the horse became the preserve of the warrior elite. The samurai, initially a mounted archer, mastered the art of yabusame , a discipline of archery on horseback aimed at developing concentration and discipline .
Throughout the centuries, the horse remained central to conflicts, particularly during the Kamakura and Sengoku periods. However, with the introduction of firearms in the 16th century, the tactical importance of cavalry declined in favor of infantry.
A sacred figure in Shintoism
In the Shinto religion, the horse is considered the mount of the kami (deities). Live horses were offered to shrines to seek the favor of the gods, a practice called shinme . For example, a black horse was offered to pray for rain, while a white horse was given to ask for the end of the rain .
Over time, wooden votive plaques depicting horses, called ema , replaced animal offerings. These plaques can still be seen in many shrines throughout Japan.
The horse in modern Japan
During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japan modernized and adopted Western equestrian practices. The horse regained some military importance before being gradually replaced by motorized vehicles in the 20th century.
Today, the horse is present in traditional festivals, yabusame demonstrations, and the horse industry. It remains a powerful cultural symbol, bearing witness to Japanese history and traditions.
Sources
- "The Horse in Japan", Japan Experience
- "Horse in Japan", Wikipedia
- "Theory of the Horsemen People in Ancient Japan" Encyclopedia of World History
- "Elements of a comparative history of medieval military culture between East and West", OpenEdition Books
- "The Horse-Archers of the Rising Sun", Blanche Pictures
