While Soma-Nomaoi has overcome the difficulties of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is also facing the structural challenges of modern Japanese society, namely the new crisis of a declining birthrate, aging population, and declining population. In order to pass on this millennium-old tradition to the future, it is essential to not only "preserve" the tradition, but also to adopt a flexible approach that allows it to be "utilized" and "updated."
This article explains the specific reform proposals put forward by the newly appointed military strategist, Monma Mitsukiyo, to increase the sustainability of Nomaoi, focusing in particular on the issue of young people dropping out and increasing the participation of women.
1. The Wall of Declining Birthrate and the “Junior High School Dropout Problem”
One of the biggest challenges facing Nomaoi is the decline in the number of participating horses and the withdrawal of young riders. Particularly serious is the "middle school barrier" for boys and girls riding horses.
| Phase | Participation Status | Challenges | Reform Proposal (Kadouma Gunshi) |
| Up to elementary school | Relatively easy to participate | - | - |
| Middle school and older | Dramatic decline in participants | Armor obligation, weight, technical hurdles, financial burden | Consider relaxing regulations to create an environment in which the sport can continue for a longer period |
Kadouma Gunshi believes that relaxing these regulations and creating an environment in which more young people can continue to be involved in Nomaoi is the key to passing on the tradition. This is a realistic and flexible decision that prioritizes protecting the people who carry on the tradition over preserving the traditional form.
2. Expanding Women’s Participation: Challenging the Taboo
Traditionally a male-dominated festival, the Soma Nomaoi is now facing an urgent challenge in regions affected by depopulation: to sustain the festival, it has become imperative to welcome passionate participants regardless of gender.
To challenge this taboo, Kadouma Gunshi has suggested relaxing the age restrictions for women.
2.1. Current Situation and the Need for Reform
• Current situation: There are many female riders who have participated since childhood, but due to age restrictions, it is difficult for them to take part fully after reaching adulthood.
• Necessity of Reform: As the demographic composition of local communities shifts, increasing the number of participants is essential to preserve tradition. Expanding opportunities for women to play active roles is a practical adaptive measure to enhance the sustainability of the Soma Nomaoi.
2.2. Existing Contributions of Women
From the case of Yoshimitsu Kadogashira, it is clear that women’s contributions have already begun. Considering his own weight gain and the burden on his horse, Kadogashira asked a “lightweight girl” to ride his famed horse, No Reason, during the parade. This illustrates the budding openness of the Soma Nomaoi festival, which values “ability” — such as horsemanship and physique — over gender.
3. From “Preservation” to “Utilization” of Tradition
The series of reform proposals proposed by Kadouma Gunshi (changing the event to May, utilizing YouTube, increasing female participation, etc.) demonstrate that Sōma-Nomaoi is not a static heritage that "preserves" tradition, but rather a "living system" that adapts to modern society, "utilizing" and "updating" it.
Regarding the future of Nomaoi, Kadouma says he wants the procession to evolve from a "simple walking procession" to a "lively procession" with messengers flying back and forth and mounted warriors exchanging speeches. This is a future-oriented vision that aims for an interactive festival where participants can enjoy role-playing as samurai in greater depth and their enthusiasm can be transmitted to the audience.
The Soma Nomaoi's challenge to sustainability will likely become an important model case for the preservation of Japanese culture, achieving harmony between tradition and modern society.
