Former Military Advisor Miki Nakajima's Armor of “Reconstruction”: 11 Years of Journey and the Aesthetics of Graceful Retirement

The Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster plunged the Soma Nomaoi into a crisis of survival. In this difficult era, when many mounted warriors lost their homes, horses, and armor, and the spiritual pillar of the local community was shaken, Mr. Miki Nakajima rose to the challenge as the supreme commander, the “Military Strategist.” From 2012 to 2022, he led an unprecedented 11-year tenure. His journey, guided by the motto “Reconstruction Begins with Soma Nomaoi,” is itself the history of the region's rebirth.

How did he overcome the post-disaster chaos and restore the Nomaoi's “dignity”? And what is the “aesthetics of graceful retirement” that saw him step aside for his successor? Through the words of former military strategist Mr. Miki Nakajima, we explore the weight of his responsibilities and the spirit of the warrior.

1. Assuming Office the Year After the Disaster: Rebuilding from a Void

Q: You became military strategist in 2012, the year after the disaster. What was the situation surrounding the Soma Nomaoi at that time?

Mr. Miki Nakajima (hereafter Nakajima): In 2011, the earthquake and nuclear accident made holding the festival as usual impossible, leaving it facing a significant void. I myself moved around as an evacuee between Niigata, Yamagata, and Tochigi, transporting my armor in my car for fear of theft. I think that shows just how central the Nomaki was to my identity.

Q: In such circumstances, what theme did you champion as the military strategist?

Nakajima: I had no hesitation. “Reconstruction begins with the Soma Nomaoi.” It was urgent to express gratitude for support from across the nation and, above all, to revive the event as a source of encouragement for the utterly exhausted local residents. I always infused my speeches and greetings with a strong resolve for reconstruction. The Nomaoi was not merely a religious ritual; it needed to serve as the spiritual pillar of the local community.

2. The Demon of Discipline: Restoring the Nomaoi's Dignity

Q: One of Military Advisor Nakajima's achievements is credited with restoring the Nomaoi's “dignity.” What specific reforms did you implement?

Nakajima: In my youth, participants spoke in casual tones like “Hey, bro, let's go,” treating it as an extension of everyday conversation. The solemnity befitting a samurai festival was fading. Concerned by this, I self-taught myself “samurai speech” and etiquette through NHK period dramas and historical programs, then disseminated this knowledge to participants via study sessions.

I also devoted considerable effort to maintaining visual aesthetics. After becoming military advisor, I banned baseball caps in the procession and enforced attire befitting mounted warriors. My strong conviction was, “We have visitors coming from all over the country; I refuse to hear people say, ‘What kind of event is that?’” I aimed to balance its role as a tourist attraction with preserving samurai pride.

Q: I understand you also provided strict guidance on procession spacing and horse handling.

Nakajima: Yes. For 11 years, I continuously instructed them: “Don't do anything disgraceful.” Disruption in the procession directly leads to low morale and loss of dignity. I demanded strict discipline, extending even to the handling of horses. I take pride in the fact that the foundation for the “orderly Nomaoi” established during these 11 years supports the tradition today.

3. Reviving Samurai Language as “Traditional Creation”

Q: Reviving “samurai language” can be seen as an act of “creating” tradition. What motivated this effort?

Nakajima: Tradition fades if merely passed down. We must reconstruct its “essence” to suit the times, striving to maintain and restore it. We researched the unique chants and phrases of the Nomaki, which had nearly faded away, drawing inspiration from period dramas. We even held workshops to revive them, aiming to restore the solemn atmosphere inherent to the Nomaki. The dignity the modern Nomaki possesses today is, I believe, the result of the “dramatic efforts” made by my predecessors, myself included.

4. The Aesthetics of Graceful Retirement: Knowing When to Step Down is Crucial

Q: You retired as military strategist at the end of 2022. What were your thoughts as your 11-year tenure came to a close?

Nakajima: At 74, I felt my physical strength declining. Above all, I believed “timing is everything.” Once the path was clear for my successor, Mr. Mitsukiyo Monma, and preparations for a new era were complete, I felt it was my responsibility as a warrior to step aside cleanly.

Q: I understand you completed your final Nomaoi without even telling your family.

Nakajima: Yes. It was a thorough sense of responsibility as a public figure. My mission was to fulfill my duties as military strategist to the very end and see the festival succeed. If my 11 years contributed even a little to the resilience of the Soma Nomaoi, I couldn't be happier.