In the grand procession and the sacred flag competition of the Soma Nomaoi festival, the banners carried on the backs of the mounted warriors are one of the most captivating highlights. Just how many kinds of these banners are there, and what meanings are embodied in them?
Flags with as many as 2,500 different designs
The flags that appear in the Soma Nomaoi festival boast an astonishing variety—around 2,500 different designs. Each flag bears the crest and distinctive symbols of its respective household, featuring unique colors and patterns. Simply taking the time to appreciate this rich diversity of designs offers a glimpse into the profound depth of the Nomaoi tradition.
The Reason There Are So Many Flags
The role of the flags is not merely decorative—they serve as a “symbol of the household.” Since ancient times, there has been a rule stating that “no two flags may share the same pattern or color.” There’s a practical reason behind this tradition.
- To distinguish each individual: Because the Nomaoi, held across vast fields, involves a huge number of participating mounted warriors, flags function like name tags. Especially in scenes where multiple mounted warriors move around at the same time, such as the battle for the sacred flag, the flags make it easy to tell at a glance who is where.
- "Yakubata" Flags Indicating Positions
In addition to family symbols, flags also indicate positions. Each yakubata design has a meaning, and examples include:
Military Strategist: A black centipede on a deciduous background
Group Leader and Middle Leader: A descending horse
Messenger: A white "Ichi" character on a black background
Once you learn the meanings behind these banners, you’ll find the Soma Nomaoi procession even more enjoyable.
Flag Size: Ingenuity for the Expansive Field
The flags used in today’s Soma Nomaoi are quite large—about 3 shaku wide (approximately 91 centimeters) and 4 shaku 5 sun tall (about 136 centimeters). This generous size is intentional, designed so that even from a distance on the vast grasslands where the event takes place, spectators can easily distinguish the mounted warriors carrying the flags.
Compared to the flags you often see in period dramas, the banners used in the Soma Nomaoi festival are noticeably larger and more imposing. This impressive scale is yet another distinctive feature unique to the Nomaoi.
