Samurai and His Falcon – The Noble Tradition of Takagari Hunting

On a crisp morning…

In a cool, misty dawn, across vast fields bathed in the gentle light of daybreak, the silhouettes of samurai led by Tokugawa Ieyasu loom. Proud and focused, clad in full hunting attire, the great Ieyasu sits astride his steed, holding a dignified falcon on his arm. The bird’s sharp, vigilant eyes scan the space before them, as if predicting the slightest movement of hidden prey. This is takagari – the Japanese art of hunting with a raptor, a practice that has long been more than just sport; it symbolizes the close relationship between the warrior and nature. From various sources, such as “Tokugawa Jikki” (徳川実紀), we know that for Japan’s great unifier and the first shogun of the Edo era, Tokugawa Ieyasu, this bond with the falcon held profound significance. For the great Oda Nobunaga, takagari was considered essential preparation for tactical thinking.

Every element of the hunting ritual holds its place and meaning. Tokugawa signals the falcon with a subtle movement to prepare for action – his gestures are calm, almost ceremonial, reflecting the long takagari tradition passed down through generations by masters of the art. The falcon rests on Tokugawa’s yukitsubo (雪壷) glove, gently secured with leather straps called hirao (平尾), waiting for the command. The moment Tokugawa unclasps the hirao, the falcon takes flight, becoming a living arrow – slicing through the air like a shadow, soaring toward the unsuspecting prey.

Such hunting was more than mere subsistence; it was a demonstration of power, status, and warrior skill – a dignified and skillful ritual accessible only to the most powerful samurai families. A well-trained falcon could be worth as much as several koku of rice (石 – 1 koku being enough rice to feed one person for a year) or the value of a medium-sized village, complete with fields, belongings, and people.

Takagari fully embodies the warrior's philosophy – a fusion of strength and the wild elegance of nature. The bond with the falcon held a spiritual dimension, fortifying the spirit and teaching tactical skills. It brought the warrior closer to nature, allowing him to feel the power of the natural world. For Tokugawa and Nobunaga, the falcon was not merely a tool but a companion – a being with whom they shared a deep bond that transcended the boundaries between the human and animal worlds.

In today’s article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of takagari – exploring training secrets, the lives of falconers, and the unique status of this tradition in Japanese culture, which has endured for centuries as a symbol of harmony between man and nature and the art of mastering its wild beauty.

Terminology

The word “takagari” (鷹狩) consists of two kanji characters: 鷹 (taka), meaning “falcon” or broadly “raptor,” and 狩 (kari/“gari”), meaning “hunting.” In Japanese falconry, takagari was reserved for the upper classes, such as the aristocracy and samurai, carrying a deep symbolic dimension linked to strength, precision, and harmony with nature.

In falconry practice, many terms designate equipment and techniques. One of the essential elements is hirao (平尾) – leather straps or cords attached to the falcon’s legs, allowing the bird to be held on the glove until it is released for the hunt. The falconer’s glove itself is called a yukitsubo (雪壷), which protected the hand and arm from the bird’s sharp talons.

Hunts took place on specially designated lands called takaba (鷹場), reserved solely for hunting and regulated by law. Tokugawa Ieyasu, a great enthusiast of takagari, established detailed regulations specifying who could use these lands, reserving them for select samurai and daimyō.

Knowledge of takagari has been documented in written form since the 8th century. One of the first manuals was the book Shinshū Yōkyō (新修養教), compiled in 818 based on Chinese texts, which adapted continental hunting techniques to Japanese realities. This text laid the foundation for generations of Japanese falconers, and various takagari schools, such as Suwa-ryū, enriched the tradition with new techniques and rituals, drawing inspiration from these ancient writings.

History of Japanese Falconry – Takagari

The earliest mentions of the art of hunting with raptors in Japan, or takagari (鷹狩), date back to the 4th century, when, according to records in the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), it was introduced from the Asian continent, specifically from Baekje (an ancient kingdom in what is now Korea) during the reign of Emperor Nintoku. This was a time when Japanese aristocracy valued Chinese culture above all else. Many concepts, ideas, and techniques were adopted from China, including hunting traditions. From the outset, takagari was practiced by the upper echelons – emperors, courtiers, and influential lords – and these techniques were recorded in texts like Shinshū Yōkyō (新修養教), written in 818 based on Chinese manuals and adapted to Japan’s specific environment and lifestyle.

During the Heian period (794–1185), takagari became part of court ceremony and culture, with many literary depictions of court life. For example, in The Tale of Genji (源氏物語) by Murasaki Shikibu (find more about her here: Murasaki Shikibu), there are numerous references to falcon hunting as a form of aristocratic entertainment. Takagari was not merely a sport – it was a spiritual experience and an expression of harmony with nature. The courtier and scholar Fujiwara no Teika recorded the silence and concentration necessary during falcon hunts on the plains around Kyoto. At that time, renowned falconers began passing down their skills and traditions to younger generations, laying the foundations for future takagari schools that would develop in subsequent eras.

When the Kamakura period (1185–1333) arrived, takagari transitioned from the hands of the aristocracy to the newly forming samurai class. Falconry became more accessible to warriors, enhancing the samurai image as those who not only fought on the battlefield but also maintained a deep bond with nature. It was then that the first specialized takagari schools, such as Jimyōin-ryū and Saionji-ryū, were established, creating unique techniques and ceremonies associated with hunting. Thanks to the samurai, takagari took on an even more formal and prestigious character.

The most significant changes in takagari occurred during the Edo period (1603–1868) due to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who transformed takagari into a sport closely linked to the samurai class. Ieyasu, a great hunting enthusiast, made takagari a symbol of power and prestige, reserving access to this art only for high-ranking samurai and daimyō. He established detailed regulations, restricting hunts to specially designated areas called takaba, inaccessible to common residents. In many cases, takaba was located on peasant lands, requiring local farmers to cooperate and participate in organizing multi-day hunts, underscoring the lord’s status and control over the land, while also complicating the lives of the poorest and most populous social class – the peasants.

Tokugawa Ieyasu not only restructured takagari but also made falcons symbols of his authority. Numerous historical records, such as the “Tokugawa Jikki” (徳川実紀), mention his love for falconry and how he used takagari to solidify his position as shōgun, organizing systematic hunts as entertainment and training for samurai during peacetime. After Ieyasu’s death, his fascination with takagari became a legacy, with falcon depictions appearing in his mausoleum at Nikkō Toshō-gū as symbols of protection and power.

After the fall of the shogunate in 1868 and the advent of the Meiji period, takagari lost its significance, and the samurai monopoly on falconry ceased. Some techniques and traditions were lost, but schools like Suwa-ryū survived thanks to enterprising falconers who managed to pass on their knowledge to future generations. Modern takagari includes not only ceremonial displays and workshops for enthusiasts but also the continuation of ancient rituals connecting man with nature, preserving Japan’s living heritage.

Samurai-Falcon Relationship

The bond between the samurai and his falcon extended far beyond the usual dependence between man and animal. It was a relationship that reached deep into life philosophy, where the falcon became a mirror of the samurai’s soul. The samurai, like the falcon, had to be ruthless, precise, yet in complete control of his instincts. Just as the falcon waits for the right moment to take flight and strike swiftly, the samurai mastered the art of restraint – knowing that strength comes not only from fighting but also from patience. The falcon thus embodied this balance – in perfect harmony, it combined the hunter’s instincts with a sense of timing, a value the samurai learned through relentless practice.

Training a falcon, like training a samurai, required years of discipline and full attention. Takagari training is a process in which a young falcon, untamed in its wild nature, gradually learns to return to its master and understands the meaning of his various gestures. The samurai could not simply subdue the bird; he had to gradually earn its trust and respect, allowing it to retain its natural wildness. Every hand movement, every decision, or silence during the hunt became a form of non-verbal dialogue – in silence and without words, yet deeply meaningful. Like the samurai, the falcon was full of paradoxes: wild, yet loyal; independent, yet devoted.

The falcon symbolized the essence of the warrior not only through its physical attributes but primarily through its actions in complete harmony with nature. This bird did not strive for the sake of conflict – it struck only when ready and when the moment was right. For the samurai, takagari was not only a form of hunting but also a philosophical lesson – a reminder that true strength lies in the sense of timing, in being ready, and sometimes in refraining from attack. Through this relationship, the samurai could see that a warrior’s glory does not always lie in spectacular victories but in the precision of action, which testifies to the harmony of mind and body.

During the Edo period, when the Bushidō code gained its name, the relationship between the samurai and the falcon perfectly embodied the principles that samurai began to formalize. Falcons taught them virtues crucial to this code: wisdom born of patience, persistence combined with self-control, and respect for life, which dictated an attack only in necessary and justified situations. The falcon was an independent yet loyal creature—much like the samurai, who viewed loyalty as a virtue but also valued freedom of spirit and inner independence.

Who were the falconers?

In medieval Japan, falconry was far more than just hunting. It was an art requiring mastery and dedication, and falconers, or takajō (鷹匠), were highly valued specialists, not only in the imperial sphere but also at samurai courts, where they held an exceptionally important role. Belonging to elite groups, they often served under the patronage of aristocrats or daimyō, who appreciated their skills in conducting hunts and caring for falcons. The takajō viewed their role as a mission, and their knowledge was passed down through generations within native schools and systems.

One of the most renowned falconry traditions in Japan was the Suwa-ryū school, originating from the Suwa region in Shinano Province (modern-day Nagano). The falconers of this school developed unique methods for training raptors, based on harmony with nature and a spiritual connection with the falcon. They drew inspiration from local Shintō beliefs, where raptors, especially falcons and eagles, were regarded as symbolic messengers of the gods. The knowledge of Suwa-ryū was closely guarded, and Suwa-ryū falconers were considered masters of the takagari art. Other famous schools, such as Jimyōin-ryū, developed techniques to fully train the falcon to adapt to Japan’s natural conditions, often more forested than the expansive hunting fields of China.

A Day in the Life of a Falconer

A falconer’s day began before dawn when the first light filtered through the trees. In the morning quiet, in a special room called takago (鷹小屋), which served as a cage for falcons, the falconer carefully prepared the bird for a new day. He would take out the hirao—leather straps used to hold the falcon on the glove called yukitsubo. A preliminary examination followed—he checked the feathers, cleaned the beak and claws, ensuring his companion was fully ready for the exercises ahead.

Next, the falconer proceeded with feeding. Falcons were fed raw meat, usually from small birds or mammals, specially sourced for training purposes. The falconer adjusted the portion to the needs of each bird, remembering that an overly satiated falcon would have no desire to hunt, while an undernourished one would lose strength. Everything required precise proportions, which the falconers had to master. After feeding, they would go for a walk in a natural setting, allowing the falcon to acclimate to the surroundings.

Then came the exercises, focused on teaching precise returns to the glove and training wamawari (輪回り)—circling around the falconer in a designated area. The falconer would gently raise his arm, allowing the falcon to take flight and cover a set distance before returning to land on the glove again. Through these exercises, the falcon learned cooperation and trust, and the falconer established a deep bond with the bird.

When it was time for hunting, the falconer prepared the falcon for takagari. Dressed in ceremonial attire, a reminder that takagari is an art with centuries of tradition, the falconer approached each hunt as a serious examination. The hunting grounds, called takaba, were reserved solely for this art—vast fields or forests, filled with natural game, where the falcon could unleash its hunting instincts.

After the hunt, the falconer ensured the falcon rested, and respectfully offered food as a reward. In this way, medieval Japanese falconers not only trained the birds but also embodied a philosophy of harmony with nature, believing that their mission was not merely to hunt, but also to contemplate and nurture heritage.

The Great Oda Nobunaga and His Falcons – Anecdotes

Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most famous warriors and strategists, had a great passion for takagari. According to the records in “Shinchō-kōki” (信長公記), a chronicle documenting Nobunaga’s life, falconry was not only a form of entertainment for him but also an opportunity to perfect tactics and self-control. Nobunaga personally trained his falcons and organized meticulously planned hunts, where he employed his command skills.

In one anecdote from “Shinchō-kōki,” Nobunaga conducted a hunt accompanied by his loyal uchibito (家人)—servants and assistants, who we might now call “spotters.” His strategy involved sending them ahead to scout the terrain and search for game. Each team member had an assigned role: some, dressed as peasants, entered the fields to confuse the game, while others circled Nobunaga’s mount, camouflaged in straw to avoid suspicion.

Standing in the background with his falcon on hand, Nobunaga waited in full concentration for the moment when the game came close enough. When everything was ready, Nobunaga released his falcon, which swiftly took flight to strike the unsuspecting prey.

Another story involving Nobunaga highlights his exceptional skill in reading falcon behavior, making him a master of the art. According to records, Nobunaga could direct his bird with such precision that observers were filled with admiration for his self-control and harmony with nature. For him, falconry was not only a sport but also a way to train the mind and body, reflecting in his later military tactics.

Another well-known anecdote about Oda Nobunaga and his passion for falconry also comes from the “Shinchō-kōki” (信長公記) chronicle. It describes how Nobunaga organized multi-day hunts in the wooded areas of the Owari Province, where he grew up. These excursions were not only an opportunity for hunting but also for strengthening bonds with his loyal followers. Nobunaga, who valued discipline above all else, required complete commitment and precision from his men, expecting them to cooperate silently and attentively with the falconers. Only the best were allowed on such expeditions, emphasizing the importance of the event.

Another story about Nobunaga mentions how much attention he paid to his falcons’ health and condition. According to accounts, Nobunaga forbade his falconers from using birds that might be weakened after long training or a recent hunt. He patiently waited until his falcon fully recovered, believing that a well-rested bird would perform its task with complete dedication and precision.

Takagari in Pop Culture

Takagari, the art of falconry, has found its way into modern media, though it often appears as a supplementary rather than a central theme. In Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 film “Ran,” inspired by Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” we see scenes where Lord Hidetora practices falconry. Kurosawa used takagari to symbolize the aristocrat’s status and relationship with nature, referencing the medieval samurai tradition.

In the world of anime and manga, takagari appears occasionally, although examples where this art plays a significant role are rare. In the anime InuYasha, an aristocratic character practicing falconry appears in one of the episodic stories. While not an accurate portrayal of takagari, the creators reference falconry’s symbolism as an attribute of the upper classes, bringing this tradition from Japanese history to audiences.

In video games, takagari appears less frequently, but one example is the game Ghost of Tsushima (2020), where players encounter falcons used by enemies to track the samurai Jin Sakai. Although this isn’t a traditional application of takagari, the falcon motif in the game serves as a nod to the role raptors played in ancient Japanese hunts and military operations.

For those looking for something where takagari takes the main theme, the manga Taka no Shishou, Kari no Ojikan desu! (たかの師匠、狩りの時間です！, “Master Falconer, It’s Time to Hunt!”) offers both a story about falconry and an insight into the everyday life of a falconer and his relationship with a raptor.

The main character, fascinated by the art of takagari, goes through numerous stages of training that require both technical skills and patience, as well as an understanding of the falcon’s nature. The manga captures the spiritual aspect of takagari, showing how the deep bond built on trust and mutual respect is central to this relationship. Every day, every interaction is a subtle balance between control and freedom, reflecting the philosophical aspects of traditional falconry in Japan.

Takagari Today and Tomorrow

Over the centuries, takagari has undergone many transformations, and today’s practices no longer resemble the samurai hunts of old, though they still retain the spirit of the tradition. Modern takagari is mainly cultivated in the form of shows and workshops organized by clubs and societies of falconry enthusiasts, such as the Japan Falconers Association and the Suwa Falconry Preservation Society. These organizations work to preserve takagari heritage by hosting events and presentations that allow audiences to learn about falconry techniques and the relationship between humans and birds. For many modern Japanese, takagari is not just hunting art but also a form of spiritual contemplation and harmony with nature.

An important contribution to promoting Japanese falconry was UNESCO’s 2010 decision to recognize falconry, including takagari, as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. This initiative sparked interest among younger generations and foreign enthusiasts who wish to explore this ancient art’s secrets. Thanks to international efforts, takagari is attracting new generations of followers who find common values in traditional culture and a contemporary respect for nature and sustainable living.

The future of takagari seems promising, especially as interest in preserving cultural traditions and humanity’s relationship with nature grows. Many falconers believe that in an era of technology and urbanization, takagari offers a unique way to connect with nature and spiritual values that are important for maintaining balance in life. This tradition, though evolving, remains alive—as a symbol of harmony between humans and nature, continuing to inspire new generations.

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