【Part 9】How has the Nomaoi changed over time?

Nomaihara, used for the Soma Nomai horse chase, was once a vast pasture where wild horses roamed. However, a major turning point came about 150 years ago when the Meiji Restoration revolution occurred in Japan, bringing the era of the samurai to an end.

When the new government (the Meiji government) was established during the Meiji era, it was deemed a waste to use the horses at Nomaihara solely for the festival. Horses were extremely valuable at the time as a vital labor force for transportation, farming, and warfare. Consequently, the government captured all the horses from Nomaihara and relocated them, primarily to the Kanto region, to be used as labor. As a result, the horses vanished from Nomaihara.

The Nomai Festival After the Horses Disappeared

The era of the samurai ended, and the horses of Nomaihara vanished. However, the Nomai festival itself did not cease; it continued in a new form.

Nomai Conducted by Shrines

Originally centered around the lords of the Soma family, the end of the samurai era also saw the disappearance of the “lord” status. Thus, Nomai transformed from an event of the Soma family into one conducted by local shrines.

This change introduced the mikoshi (portable shrine) into the procession. As a symbol of the shrine, the mikoshi strengthened the event's character as a sacred ritual. To this day, the tradition is preserved by having a descendant of the Soma family serve as the Grand Commander.

The Birth of the Sacred Flag Contest

When the core event of chasing wild horses could no longer be held, the “Sacred Flag Contest” was devised as a replacement. This is a heroic competition where mounted warriors vie for a sacred flag, and it has become the representative event of the modern Nomaoi.

Efforts to Continue the Nomaoi: Adapting to the Times

Throughout its long history, the Nomaoi has faced numerous periods when holding the event was difficult due to natural disasters, wars, and other hardships. Yet each time, it has been preserved through adaptations suited to the era.

Adapting to the Times

When wild horses vanished from Nomaoi Plain

　→ The Sacred Flag Contest was born.

In recent years, when extreme heat became a problem

　→ To protect the health of riders and horses, the event was moved from July to May.

In this way, Nomaoi has preserved its tradition by embracing change.

An Unchanging Wish: A Festival Praying for Everyone's Happiness

Though its form may change, the essence of the Nomaoi remains unchanged. It is a festival praying for the prosperity of the region and the happiness of its people.

That is precisely why the Nomaoi will continue into the future. We ask all spectators to watch over this important event, offering words of encouragement like “Have a safe trip,” “Do your best,” and “Welcome back.”