Japanese Traditional Polo www3.nhk.or.jp

posted by  Yubi | 6 years, 6 months ago in Art & Culture

The horsemen of Japan's Imperial Household Agency have played a traditional polo-like game at the Imperial Palace's equestrian ground in central Tokyo.

Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and Crown Prince Naruhito watched Tuesday's game, which is called "Dakyu."

The game is said to have originated in Central Asia, as did European polo. It was introduced into Japan from China in the 8th to 9th centuries, and became a court event. Its popularity also grew among samurai warriors in the 18th century.