Kyudo Archer

A woman holds her stance in Kyoto's Budo Center, longbow raised, practicing kyudo, Japan's ancient art of archery.

Honorable Mention, People-Portrait category, Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) 2025. Entered as "The Art of Kyudo: Fierce Women, Strength & Tactics."

Built in the 1890s, the hall is considered Japan's oldest for martial arts. The bow was a samurai's discipline for centuries, and today it draws nearly as many women as men to its practice.