In 2023, a new chapter was inscribed in the history of the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, “Sōma Nomaoi.” The position of “Gunshi,” the supreme commander who assists the general-in-chief and oversees all mounted warriors, changed hands for the first time in 11 years. The appointment of Mitsukiyo Monma, chairman of the Gogyō Horsemen’s Association, marks the beginning of a new era—one that inherits the great achievements of his predecessor, who supported the post-disaster recovery period following the Great East Japan Earthquake, while taking on modern challenges such as climate change and a declining and aging population.
What is the new strategist thinking as he shoulders the weight of tradition and changes for the future, and how does he intend to pass on the millennium of tradition to the next generation? Through an exclusive interview with Monma Mitsukiyo, we delve into his resolve and strategy.
1. Succession After 11 Years: The Weight of Responsibility and Resolve to Enter an “Unknown World”
Q: You took office at a major turning point marked by the first change of Gunshi in 11 years. To begin, could you share with us your honest feelings at that moment?
Mitsukiyo Kadouma (hereinafter Kadouma): Nakajima Miki, the former military strategist who established an unusually long administration of 11 years, was a "great" figure who supported the reconstruction period following the earthquake. The responsibility and pressure of succeeding him must have been unimaginable. I myself made my debut at the age of three and have participated in 50 consecutive battles up until 2023 (even more if you include my childhood), but the experience of being a mounted warrior and the position of military strategist overseeing the entire region were truly "unknown worlds."
Q: I understand that the Monma family traces its roots back to the samurai of the Soma Domain. What does the Soma Nomaoi festival mean to your family?
My family has been fully participating since my grandfather’s generation, and my son now represents the fourth generation. To me, the Soma Nomaoi is life itself. However, the position of gunshi (military strategist) is not a place to compete for personal glory; rather, as an advisor to the overall commander, my mission is to ensure the festival’s safety and smooth progress, and above all, to uphold the dignity of its tradition.
2. From “Lone Wolf” to “Team-Based Leadership”
Q: The appointment of Strategist Monma has been described as being of a “coordinating” and “team-oriented” type, distinct from the traditional image of a strategist. How do you view this shift in leadership style?
When my father served as a strategist, the spirit of “gekokujō” — where subordinates overtake their superiors — was strong, and it was common for capable individuals to be replaced after only one year. Strategists of that era were “lone wolf” types who simply commanded on the field. However, today’s Soma Nomaoi faces complex challenges such as population decline and aging, climate change, and increasing financial burdens. Charisma alone is no longer enough to sustain tradition.
I see myself as a "coordinating" leader who has been appointed with the support of colleagues in each community. In this day and age, "team-based leadership" that envisions the future and solves problems across the entire organization is essential.
3. Fusion of Tradition and Digital: YouTube as a Learning Tool
Q: It’s been said that you make use of modern tools in the process of passing down tradition. Could you tell us specifically what that involves?
It may sound surprising, but I actually used “YouTube” to learn about ceremonies and procedures from other districts. As the gunshi, I am in a position to oversee all villages’ events, but as a participant myself, I only knew the customs of my own area, Naka-no-go. In order to understand the traditions and detailed movements of other regions—such as Uda-go and Kita-go—advance study through video sites was indispensable.
This shows how digital archives play an important role in preserving traditional events. In terms of attire, while jinbaori coats are predominant in Nakano-go and areas further south, armor is formal wear in Uda-go and Kita-go. To promote harmony among the regions, I took into consideration the wishes of senior members from Uda-go and, after consulting with the previous strategist, decided to appear in armor for the greetings. I believe this too represents one of the coordination skills required of a modern strategist.
4. Battle Against the Scorching Heat and the Decision to Move to a “May Event”
Q: The 2023 Nomaoi festival was held amid a scorching heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. What was the situation like at that time?
It truly was a “battle against extreme heat.” Beginning three days before the main event, I was receiving intravenous drips, and even on the morning of the day itself, at 4 a.m., I took another before setting out. Despite all that preparation, I was forced to dismount partway through the procession to rest. Both horses and riders had exceeded their limits. There was even a case where Ms. Sumi Sakamoto’s horse showed signs of heatstroke, forcing her to withdraw from the sacred flag contest. In that moment, I realized keenly that this was no longer an environment we could persevere through with spirit alone.
Q: As a result, starting in 2024, the event schedule was moved up from late July to late May.
We had originally planned to change the date in 2025, but in response to the frequent occurrence of horse fatalities and emergency transports, we decided to move up the date. This was a difficult decision, as we prioritized the lives and safety of horses and riders over maintaining tradition.
Q: Are there any new challenges arising from holding the event in May?
There are two major challenges. The first is the “risk of rain.” Late May marks the beginning of the rainy season, and since much of the armor and tack are made of “leather and lacquer,” there are concerns about deformation and deterioration due to moisture. Urgent measures are needed to protect these historical tools.
The other concern is “horse reactivation.” Horses that had been subdued by the summer heat might become “overly energetic” in the cooler climate. This can make them harder to control, potentially leading to an increase in accidents such as riders being thrown or horses going out of control, thereby placing even greater demands on the riders’ skill.
5. Beyond the Millennium: The Challenge of Sustainability
Q: As Japan faces a declining birthrate and an aging population, how do you view the sustainability of the Nomaoi festival?
The biggest challenges are the “decline in the number of participants” and the “loss of younger members.” In particular, the so-called “junior high school wall” faced by young riders is serious. Many children participate through elementary school, but once they enter junior high, they are required to wear armor. Because of its weight and the economic burden it brings, many end up quitting. We’re considering easing this regulation to create an environment where they can continue participating for a longer time.
Furthermore, while it has traditionally been a male-dominated festival, increasing female participation is inevitable in regions with declining populations. I am proposing to relax the age limit for women. I believe that a flexible approach that utilizes and updates traditions, rather than simply preserving them, is the most realistic adaptation measure for Nomaoi to survive.
Q: Finally, please tell us what kind of future Soma-Nomaoi you are aiming for.
We want the procession to be more than just a walking procession; we want it to be a lively one, with messengers flying back and forth and mounted warriors exchanging speeches. We aim to create an interactive festival where participants can enjoy role-playing as samurai and convey that enthusiasm to the audience.
