Samurai Festival in the Pouring Rain in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan
A walk through history in Aizu-Wakamatsu City ⚔️
Last weekend was the yearly Aizu Festival, honouring the historic Aizu Domain that once ruled the region in service to the shogun. Despite the driving rain, the procession of samurai lords was able to go ahead, and people came to Tsurugajo Castle from across the prefecture to cheer them on. Someone even cheered me on and I was just taking photos…
There were around 25 lords involved, among them Date Masamune, plus the ‘Japanese Joan of Arc’ Nijima Yae (played by actress Ayase Haruka). Most striking were the red-faced ‘yakkotai’ servant troops, who not only fought for the Aizu Domain infantry corps, but kept morale high during long walks to Edo with their loud chants and spear-throwing performances.
You can also join the yearly samurai corps! Check the Fukushima Travel website for more details
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