Traditional "Soma Nomaoi" Held in Fukushima Prefecture: 400 Samurai Riders March Heroically
The traditional "Soma Nomaoi" festival, which has a history of over 1,000 years, is being held in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. This festival is designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is a famous event in Fukushima that attracts many tourists every year.
On the second day of the festival, the "Ogyoretsu" (procession), one of the main events, took place. Approximately 400 "Kiba Musha" (samurai on horseback) dressed in armor and helmets marched majestically through the town of Minamisoma. Carrying banners passed down from their ancestors, the warriors advanced slowly while skillfully handling their horses.
Many people gathered along the streets, and loud applause and cheers erupted every time the warriors passed by. The sound of horses' hooves and conch shells (horagai) echoing through the air was as powerful as a scene from the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Visitors were eagerly taking photos of the heroic figures that evoked a sense of history.
Soma Nomaoi is said to have originally started as military training for samurai. Today, it has become an important event for preserving local traditions and deepening the bonds between people. Furthermore, as an event symbolizing recovery from the disaster, it continues to give courage to many people.