Falconry skills demonstrated in Tokyo

A falconer releases a trained bird during a demonstration of falconry skills at Hamarikyu Gardens in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on Tuesday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Falconers put on a display of their ancient craft at an event on Tuesday at Hamarikyu Gardens, the same bayside oasis in Tokyo's Chuo Ward that had been the shogun's hunting ground using hawks and falcons during the Edo period (1603-1867).

Back in those days, the birds of prey were trained to catch wild game by falconers who served aristocrats and the shoguns.