Overview
Soma-Nomaoi is a festival jointly organized by three shrines in Soma City where is famous for horse-breeding.
The highlights of the three-day festival are the Koshiki Kacchu Keiba in which twelve samurai horsemen clad in armor and helmets, and carrying katana swords all race over a distance of 1,000 meters, and the Shinki Sodatsusen, in which several hundred samurai horsemen compete for 40 shrine flags shot into the air with fireworks. Both events are usually taken place on last Sunday of July.
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History
The Soma-Nomaoi is believed to have its origins in the early 10th Century when samurai warriors of this land secretly commenced their military exercises.
Religious Background
Shintou
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Date
Last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of July
Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Location
Soma City and Minami-Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture