Soma Nomaoi

Soma Nomaoi History

Nomaoi (wild horse chasing) celebrated its 1050th anniversary in 1987. The Nomaoi, with more than a thousand years of history, roots can be traced way back to the Heian Period (796-1185). The Nomaoi has been crystallized from the three essential source components: religious ceremony, military training and social heritage.

Currently, more than 600 horses take part in the annual festival in Japan. The horsemen train vigorously throughout the year leading up to the 3-day event. The eight horsemen scheduled to appear at Santa Anita Park are among the best men from the town.

Soma: Now and Past

The feudal lords of The Soma clan, came originally from Chiba around the year 1300, ruled a small land but were renowned for their military spirit and religious faith, and particularly a succession of good government. They were popular with the retainers and farmers. The clan blood runs in the veins of the citizens even today. Mr. Kazutane Soma is the present 33rd descendant of the Soma clan and plays the part of a commander-in-chief of the Nomaoi Festival.

National Honor

• The National Important Intangible Cultural Property (Elected 1952)
• The National Important Intangible Folk-Custom Cultural Property (Elected 1978)
• Previous Foreign Tours
• Los Angeles, CA U.S.A. (1979) Hawaii, U.S.A. (1994)
• United Kingdom (1991) Brazil (2000)
• Russia (1993) Los Angeles, CA U.S.A. (2002, 2003)

>>Samurai Parade Photo Album
>>Tokyo City Cup Photo Album

<<Go Back