Armored riders race across Tokyo's Oi Racecourse during the Kacchu Keiba, a re-creation of Fukushima's Soma Nomaoi festival on October 5. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)
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The Soma Nomaoi, a thousand-year-old samurai coastal tradition from Fukushima Prefecture, is recognized as one of Japan's Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Each year, its dramatic armored horse race brings history to life. Since 1977, Tokyo's Oi Racecourse has hosted a special reenactment. This year marked the 26th edition of the event.
Before the race began, performers filled the air with Soma Nagareyama, a haunting folk song passed down for generations in the Soma region. Moments later, five retired racehorses, once competitors in professional circuits, burst out of the gate.
Samurai Spirit on the Dirt Track
Wearing white headbands, the armored horsemen thundered 800 meters down the dirt track, their banners snapping in the wind. The crowd of 1,800 erupted in cheers as the riders raced neck and neck toward the finish line.
Having finished third twice before, Atsushi Akada (44) said he had "been aiming for first" this year. Riding North Victory, he finally succeeded, crossing the line ahead of the pack. "My family came to watch, so I'm really happy," he said. "Next time, I want to win again at the main festival in Fukushima."
Among the spectators was a university student from Chofu, Tokyo, who had come with his family. Smiling, he said, "I've always been fascinated by the Soma Nomaoi because I love history. Watching them ride in armor with flags streaming was so powerful. Now I want to see the bigger event in Fukushima."
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Author: Masahiro Sakai, The Sankei Shimbun
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