SOMA NOMAOI

Boasting a history of more than 1000 years, the Soma Noma Oi (Soma Wild Horse Chase) is one of Japan’s foremost festivals. Held every year in Soma and Haramachi on Fukushima’s east coast, the festival runs from July 23 – 25 and features several events. On the first day, riders gather at one of three shrines, Ota Shrine, Odaka Shrine or Nakamura Shrine. Dressed in full traditional military regalia, they ride through the streets, gathering in Haramachi, where a series of horse races and the Bon Dance take place. The second day features a full parade through the streets of Haramachi, horse racing exhibitions, and the main event, the contest of the sacred banners. The riders, in full armour and with colourful flags flying from their backs, scramble to catch one of forty banners shot high into the air, then ride through the crowds to a shrine to receive their blessing. The final day takes place at the Odaka Shrine in Odaka-machi, where men dressed in white chase and catch wild horses and then ride them bareback, after which the best horse is dedicated to the God. With a total of approximately six hundred riders and horses taking part each year, the festival is regarded by locals as being a major part of their cultural heritage. The Soma Noma Oi originated during the Heian Period (769 – 1185), when the warriors of the Soma clan began the practice of chasing wild horses as military training in preparation for war. Today, much energy is put into both the preservation of the traditional armour and saddlery and the upkeep of the horses which participate in the festival.