Life in Ibaraki-ken is beginning to stifle me a bit...

I try to be patient in that i won't always live in this prefecture and that i should learn more about its place within historical Japan.

The art of Kyudo in particular interests me.

Japanese archery has different forms and stances, and my Junior High has some strong female competitors.


These teenage girls can be quite the giggle-fest in the classroom. Yet, while practicing Kyudo, a seriousness comes over their faces like tides shifting current in the night. They control their breathing, tense their fingers on the bow, and aim their missiles to the hearts of their destinations.









The girls offered to let me try my hand at shooting the bow, but i felt inexperienced and politely declined since they take their craft in such an intense manner.