In 2023, a new chapter was written in the history of the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the Soma Nomaoi. After 11 years, the position of “Military Strategist”—the supreme commander who assists the Grand Commander and oversees all mounted warriors—was passed on. The appointment of Mr. Mitsukiyo Monma, who also serves as Chairman of the Gogo Equestrian Association, signifies the dawn of a new era. It means inheriting the great achievements of his predecessor, who supported the recovery period following the Great East Japan Earthquake, while confronting contemporary challenges like climate change and an aging, shrinking population.
What does this new military strategist, bearing the weight of tradition and the responsibility for future transformation, contemplate? How does he intend to pass this thousand-year tradition to the next generation? Through an exclusive interview with Mr. Mitsukiyo Monma, we explore his resolve and strategy.
1. Succession After 11 Years: The Pressure and Resolve to Enter the “Unknown World”
Q: You assumed office at this significant milestone, the first change in military strategist in 11 years. First, please share your honest feelings at that time.
Mr. Mitsukiyo Monma (hereafter Monma): Former Strategist Miki Nakajima built an exceptionally long 11-year reign. He was a “great” figure who supported the recovery period following the earthquake disaster. The responsibility and pressure of succeeding him were beyond imagination. While I myself made my debut at age three and boast 50 consecutive appearances through 2023 (and more if counting my childhood), the experience of a lone horseman warrior and the position of military strategist overseeing the entire village were truly “uncharted territory” for me.
Q: I understand the Monma family traces back to samurai of the Soma Domain. What does the Nomaoi mean to the Monma family?
Monma: My family began participating in earnest during my grandfather's generation, and I am the fourth generation, following my father. For me, the Nomai is life itself. However, the role of military strategist is not a place to compete for personal military glory. As the commander-in-chief's advisor, my mission is to ensure the festival's safety and smooth progress, and above all, to uphold the dignity of tradition.
2. From “Lone Wolf” to “Team-Oriented Leadership”
Q: Your appointment as Military Advisor is described as a shift from the traditional image to a more “coordinating” and “team-oriented” style. How do you view this change in leadership?
Monma: During my father's time as Military Advisor, there was a strong atmosphere of “upstart rebellion,” and it was common for capable individuals to serve only one year before being replaced. Back then, the military strategist was a “lone wolf” type who “only commanded on the field.” However, modern Nomaoi faces complex challenges like declining birthrates, aging populations, climate change, and economic burdens. Charisma alone can no longer sustain the tradition.
I recognize myself as a “coordinating” leader who was appointed with the support of allies in each district and the backing of those around me. In this era, “team-based leadership”—where we envision the future and solve problems as an entire organization—is indispensable.
3. Blending Tradition and Digital: YouTube as a Learning Tool
Q: I understand you utilize modern tools for preserving tradition. Could you elaborate on how specifically?
Monma: This might be quite interesting—I used YouTube to learn the rituals and procedures of other districts. As a military strategist overseeing all village events, I only knew the practices of my own “Nakanogō” as a participant. To grasp the traditions and detailed rituals of different districts like Udagō and Kitagō, video site preparation was essential.
This demonstrates how crucial digital archives are for preserving traditional events. Regarding attire, while the jinbaori is standard south of Nakano-go, armor is the formal wear in Uda-go and Kita-go. To foster harmony between regions, I heeded the request of a senior member from Uda-go and, after consulting with the former military strategist, chose to greet them in full armor. I consider this another essential coordination skill required of a modern military strategist.
4. Battling the Heatwave and the Decision to Hold the Event in May
Q: The 2023 Nomaoi Festival took place amid a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C. What was the situation like?
Monma: It was truly a battle against the heatwave. I started receiving IV drips three days before the event and had another drip at 4 a.m. on the day itself before setting out. Even with that level of preparation, I had to dismount and rest midway through the procession. Both horses and people were pushed beyond their limits. There was also an incident where Ms. Sumi Sakamoto's horse showed signs of heatstroke, forcing her to abandon the sacred flag contest. It made me keenly aware that this was no longer an environment where sheer willpower could overcome the challenges.
Q: As a result, the event date was moved forward from late July to late May starting in 2024.
Monma: Originally, we planned to change it in 2025. However, due to the horse fatalities and the high number of emergency transports, we decided to move the change forward. This was a painful decision, prioritizing the lives and safety of both horses and riders over maintaining tradition.
Q: Are there new challenges with holding it in May?
Monma: There are two major ones. One is the “risk of rain.” Late May marks the start of the rainy season. Much of the armor and tack is made of “leather and lacquer,” raising concerns about deformation and deterioration from water exposure. Urgent measures are needed to protect these historical artifacts.
The second is “horse activation.” Horses that were subdued by the heat risk becoming “too energetic” in cooler weather. This could make them harder to control, increasing the possibility of accidents like riders being thrown or horses bolting, placing even greater demands on the riders' skills.
5. Toward the Next 1000 Years: The Challenge of Sustainability
Q: Amidst Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, how do you view the sustainability of the Nomaoi?
Monma: The biggest challenges are the “decline in participating horses” and the “departure of young riders.” Particularly severe is the “middle school barrier” for youth riders. While many elementary school students participate, when they enter middle school, wearing armor becomes mandatory. Many children quit due to the weight and financial burden. We are considering relaxing this regulation to create an environment where participation can continue longer.
Additionally, while traditionally a male-dominated festival, expanding female participation is unavoidable in a region facing population decline. I have proposed the idea of “gradually relaxing age restrictions for women.” I believe that a flexible approach—not merely “preserving” tradition, but ‘utilizing’ and “renewing” it—is the realistic adaptation strategy for the Nomaoi to survive.
Q: Finally, please share your vision for the future of the Soma Nomaoi as envisioned by Military Strategist Monma.
Monma: I want the procession to be not just a “simple walk,” but a “vibrant parade” where messengers dart about and mounted warriors exchange challenges. I aim for an interactive festival where participants themselves deeply enjoy role-playing as warriors, and that energy is conveyed to the spectators.
