The story of Nasu no Yoichi is perhaps the best example of legendary skill in archery.

When the Minamoto and Taira engaged each other at the battle of Yashima, the Taira tied a sacred folding fan to the mast of their ship. The fan was said to contain the spirit of the Emperor and could cause the enemy arrows to recoil and rain upon the Taira's enemies. The Taira offered a challenge to any who dared approach them.

On the shore, Nasu no Yoichi, the greatest Minamoto archer, accepted the challenge by riding his horse into the waves in full view of the Taira ships. With a prayer to the Gods that calm the wind and sea, Nasu no Yoichi let his arrow fly. The arrow split the fan at its base and toppled it into the sea.

On both sides cheers of approval roared from the Warriors at such a magnificent shot.

A Taira ship draws near the shore where the Minamoto forces are massing. A beautiful court woman emerges, and raising a red fan in the prow, invites the Minamoto to shoot at it. The Minamoto decide that it is surely a trap to entice some of their best men within range of attack from the ship, and rather than approaching, ask their best archer, Nasu no Yoichi, to shoot it down from the beach.

Though he doubts his ability to hit such a small object at a range of several hundred feet, Nasu no Yoichi determines to kill himself if he misses. He says a prayer to Hachiman, the God of war, and lets the arrow fly-a direct hit. Even the Taira must applaud him, though it is a sign that their doom is coming.