The Soma Nomaoi is a historic festival of mounted samurai held every year at the end of July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. There are several ways to take part in this magnificent traditional event: joining as a participant (mounted warrior), competing in the sacred banner contest, or assisting as a staff member or volunteer.
1. How to Participate as a Mounted Warrior?
The greatest allure of the Soma Nomaoi festival lies in donning traditional armor, mounting a horse, and setting out for battle just as warriors did in the Sengoku period. To participate as an armored horseman, you must meet the following requirements.
🔹 Eligibility Requirements
- Participants must be from or have ties to an area associated with the Soma Nomaoi.
- Participants must have experience riding horses and be able to ride safely.
- Participants must be physically fit and able to wear armor and participate in activities for extended periods of time.
- Participants must officially apply through the Nomaoi Executive Committee of their respective region.
🔹 How to Participate
- Check the recruitment of cavalry warriors
- The Nomaoi Executive Committee of each of the three Soma districts (Soma City, Minamisoma City, Futaba District, etc.) accepts applications every year.
- Preference is often given to local people and horse owners, but outside participation may also be possible.
- Submission and review of application documents
- Application documents must be submitted to the executive committee, which will then review your horse riding experience and relationships.
- While it may be possible to rent armor, it is recommended that you prepare your own armor wherever possible.
- 事前練習に参加
- 馬の操作や出陣式の流れを事前に練習し、当日の安全を確保します。
2. How to Participate in the Sacred Flag Competition?
The Sacred Flag Competition is one of the highlights of the Soma Nomaoi Festival—a valiant contest in which mounted warriors compete to seize the “sacred flag” that is dropped from the sky.
🔹 Participation Requirements
- Participate in pre-practice
- High riding skills and speed are a must
- Receive recommendations from each district
Because this event involves significant danger, only a select few among the most experienced mounted warriors are permitted to compete.
3. How to Participate as a Staff Member or Volunteer?
Even if you’re not a mounted warrior, you can still take part in the Soma Nomaoi by joining as a staff member or volunteer supporting the event.
🔹 Example Roles
- Tournament management support (usher, reception, security, etc.)
- Horse care (assisting with horse guidance and care)
- Photography and video recording (official photographer, social media manager, etc.)
- Armor and costume management (assisting with dressing and repairs)
🔹 How to Participate
- Check the Nomaoi Executive Committee's official website and local government recruitment information.
- Register with a local volunteer group.
- Attend pre-event information sessions and meetings.
4. How to Enjoy It as a Spectator?
Even if it’s difficult to take part as a mounted warrior, experiencing the Soma Nomaoi as a spectator is also highly recommended.
🔹 Highlights
- Departure Ceremony (Parade of Mounted Warriors)
- Armored Horse Racing (Race of Mounted Warriors)
- Divine Flag Battle (Highlight Flag Battle)
- Nomakake (horse offering ceremony at a shrine)
🔹 Preparations in Advance
- Reservations for viewing seats (paid seats available)
- Check the access method (there are traffic restrictions in the area, so check in advance)
- Sun and weather protection (prepare a hat and drinks)
Summary
The ways to take part in the Soma Nomaoi can broadly be divided into the following categories:
- Enter the battlefield as a cavalryman
- Challenge the Divine Flag Battle
- Involvement as a staff member or volunteer
- enjoy as a spectator
There are four main ways to participate.
Why not take part in this time-honored traditional event and experience its unique charm for yourself?
