At the heart of the Soma Nomaoi festival lies the “Divine Banner” (Shinki), which bears the names of the three Soma Myoken shrines—Soma Ota Shrine, Soma Odaka Shrine, and Soma Nakamura Shrine. This Divine Banner is a cloth about 35 centimeters wide and 150 centimeters long, with Ota Shrine represented by red, Odaka Shrine by yellow, and Nakamura Shrine by blue.
In the past, the sacred banner of Nakamura Shrine was white. However, when the Soma Nomaoi festival was held during the rainy season (early July), the white flag often became difficult to see under cloudy skies. To improve visibility, its color was changed to blue. This change has been passed down as an example of the evolution and ingenuity of the Nomaoi tradition.
The Divine Banners and the Role of the “Gunjya” (Warriors)
The divine banner is not merely a piece of cloth. It is a sacred symbol and the very heart of the competition. The whips carried by those in the role known as “Gunja” are adorned with three Myōken flags—red, yellow, and white. This signifies their deep connection to the divine banner and represents their vital role in supporting the festival as a whole.
The Gallant “Battle for the Sacred Banners”
Among the festival’s many events, the one that draws the most attention is the “Sacred Banner Competition.” In this ritual, a sacred banner is packed into a fireworks shell, which is then launched high into the sky. When the firework bursts, the banner flutters down from above. The mounted warriors race to snatch it using only the designated whip. In this contest, using one’s hands or employing any special whip is strictly forbidden.
The warriors who seize a divine banner race up the winding slope toward the summit of Honjin-yama, where the supreme commander awaits. Upon reaching the top, they report their achievement, present the divine banner, and receive various commendations and rewards.
Rewards for the Divine Banner Contest
The warriors who emerge victorious in the Divine Banner Contest are awarded the following honors.
- Shrine Talisman
- You will receive an talisman from the shrine (Ota Shrine, Odaka Shrine, or Nakamura Shrine) that is inscribed on the sacred flag you have captured. For example, if you win a red sacred flag, you will receive an talisman from Ota Shrine.
- Sacred Flag Replica
- The actual sacred flag that warriors capture is kept at Honjinyama, so they are not allowed to keep it. However, due to the many requests for the actual sacred flag, in recent years, replicas with the same specifications have begun to be presented as gifts.
- Prizes from Local Businesses
- Local businesses and shops sponsor a variety of prizes. In 2019, prizes included a gift certificate, an industrial fan, miso soup and egg soup mix, two bottles of sake, a detergent set, a one-shoulder bag, an oil gift, a mini umbrella, kitchen paper, and rice crackers. The prizes change every year, so it's always fun to wonder what you'll receive.
