We are recruiting participants for the “Samurai Procession” and “Samurai Ceremony” of the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival on Friday, May 2nd!
The “Samurai Ceremony” is a ritual where Uesugi Kenshin prayed for victory in battle and invited protective gods to join his army before the conflict.
The Samurai Ceremony Preservation Society faithfully reenacts this event according to historical facts and strives to pass it down to future generations.
In the midst of the blazing bonfire, the rituals of Goten-sui (Water Offering), Military God Invitation, a gunfire demonstration by the Uesugi Gun Corps, and the performance of Uesugi Taiko (drums) will be solemnly carried out for about one hour, transporting the audience back to the Warring States period.
We look forward to your applications!
◆ Application Details ◆
[Event Date & Time]
Friday, May 2, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM (tentative)
[Event Description]
Participants will dress in full samurai armor and take part in Uesugi Kenshin’s ceremonial procession “Samurai Ceremony” and “Samurai Procession.”
[Schedule]
- Meeting Time: 12:00 PM at the changing location (Lunch is on your own).
- Rehearsal: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (a light meal will be provided after rehearsal).
- Samurai Procession: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Samurai Ceremony: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Afterwards, change out of the armor).
[Participation Fee]
3,000 yen (includes costume, dressing, light meal, and insurance fee).
[Eligibility]
- Those 18 years or older with confidence in their physical strength (gender is not a requirement).
- Those in good health.
Note: Participation is also allowed for those joining the armored procession for the Uesugi Festival’s Kawanakajima Battle on May 3.
[Number of Participants]
24 people (Registration will close once the limit is reached).
[Roles]
Participants will be assigned to roles as flag bearers or torch bearers in the procession.
(Assignments will be determined by the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival Executive Committee.)
[Other Notes]
- Detailed information will be sent to those who apply.
- For those participating in the procession, please prepare tabi (traditional socks) if possible.
[Contact Information]
Yonezawa City Hall, Tourism Department
TEL: 0238-22-5111
