Sōma Nomaoi

The Sōma Nomaoi is a spirited horse festival and Shinto rite held in the Sōma region centered on Sōma and Minamisōma, Fukushima Prefecture. Traditionally held over three days each July (in recent years also held in May), it is known as a grand festival like a picture-scroll of the Warring States period, in which hundreds of armored mounted warriors gallop across the land.

Its origins are said to date to the Heian period, when Taira no Masakado—regarded as the ancestor of the Sōma clan—conducted military training by treating wild horses released across his domain as enemy soldiers, giving it a history of over a thousand years. The festival consists of the "Ogyōretsu" procession, in which mounted warriors march with stately dignity; the "Kacchū Keiba" armored horse race, in which hundreds gallop together competing with their banners; and the "Shinki Sōdatsusen," in which mounted warriors vie to seize sacred flags launched into the air.

The Shinki Sōdatsusen in particular is breathtaking: the sight of armored warriors rushing in a cloud of dust toward the sacred flags soaring skyward with fireworks electrifies the crowd. The Sōma Nomaoi was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1952. Inheriting samurai tradition and regional pride, and continuing to be held even after overcoming the hardship of the Great East Japan Earthquake, this festival powerfully conveys to this day the indomitable spirit of the people of Sōma and their reverence for history.