The Soma Nomaoi is a traditional festival held in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture, widely known as a magnificent equestrian event that traces its origins to samurai military training. However, similar customs known as “Nomaoi” historically existed in regions outside of Soma as well.
1. The Wild Horse Chase in the Kanto Region
In the past, the Kanto region had many horse pastures known as *maki*, where samurai conducted a practice called *Nomakake*—the capture of wild horses. In particular, in Chiba Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture, it is said that the custom of the *Nomaoi* (wild horse chase) persisted from the medieval period through the Edo period.
- Chiba Prefecture (Shimousa Province)
- There are records that Nomaoi was held as part of combat training in the Kanto region, which was ruled by Taira no Masakado.
- During the Edo period, Nomaoi was also held in the Sakura Domain and other domains to manage wild horses.
- Ibaraki Prefecture (Hitachi Province)
- There were events similar to Nomaoi as military training for samurai, and they were used to hone horseback riding tactics, especially during the Sengoku period.
2. The Nomaooi of the Kyushu Region
Similar traditions resembling the Nomaoi have been passed down not only in the Kanto region but also in parts of the Kyushu region.
- Kumamoto Prefecture (Aso region)
- Horse breeding has been popular since ancient times, and it is said that there was a culture of capturing and training wild horses on ranches in Aso.
- Miyazaki Prefecture (Takachiho region)
- In some areas, religious ceremonies are held to dedicate wild horses to the gods, and this has something in common with the spirit of Nomaoi.
3. The Reasons Why the Soma Nomaoi Tradition Endured Particularly in Soma
Currently, the event widely known as “Nomaoi” refers to the “Sōma Nomaoi” of the Sōma region. The reasons for this are as follows:
- The Soma clan ruled for a long time and continued the Nomaoi as a family event.
- The festival has become established as a center of the three Soma shrines (Soma Nakamura Shrine, Soma Ota Shrine, and Soma Odaka Shrine).
- The fact that local people continued to preserve traditions even after the Meiji period
can be cited (as reasons).
Summary
Historically, events and customs resembling *Nomaoi* could be found throughout Japan, including in the Kanto and Kyushu regions. However, in the Soma region, the tradition became deeply intertwined with samurai heritage and spiritual beliefs, continuing to this day as a source of local pride. For that reason, when people speak of “Nomaoi” today, they are generally referring to the *Soma Nomaoi*.
I hope this tradition will continue to be passed down for generations to come and become known to even more people!
