Recruitment of Armored Warrior (Foot Soldier) Participants
2026 Yonezawa Uesugi Festival Butei-shiki Procession and Ceremony
We are now recruiting participants to join the Butei-shiki Procession and Butei-shiki Ceremony of the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as an armored warrior (foot soldier).
The Butei-shiki is a traditional ceremony performed by Lord Uesugi Kenshin before battle to pray to the gods and Buddha for victory and to invite divine protection for his army. This historic ritual is faithfully preserved and reenacted by the Butei-shiki Preservation Society to pass on its legacy to future generations.
Surrounded by blazing bonfires, the ceremony features solemn rituals such as the Gotensui purification ritual, the invocation of the War God, musket volleys by the Uesugi Matchlock Corps, and powerful performances by the Uesugi Taiko drums. Lasting approximately one hour, the ceremony transports spectators back to the dramatic age of the samurai.
We warmly welcome your participation.
Application Details
Date and Time
Saturday, May 2, 2026
12:00 PM – 8:30 PM (scheduled)
Activity Description
Participants will wear traditional samurai armor and take part in the Butei-shiki Procession and the Butei-shiki Ceremony, reenacting Lord Kenshin’s departure for battle.
Schedule
- 12:00 PM — Assembly and changing into armor (Please arrange your own lunch)
- 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM — Rehearsal (Light meal provided afterward)
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM — Butei-shiki Procession
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM — Butei-shiki Ceremony (Changing afterward)
Participation Fee
5,000 yen
(Includes costume, dressing assistance, light meal, and insurance)
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older (all genders welcome)
- Must be in good health and physically capable
Those participating as armored warriors in the Kawanakajima Battle reenactment on May 3 are also welcome to apply.
Number of Participants
24 participants (Applications will close once capacity is reached)
Roles
Participants will serve as foot soldiers, assigned as either:
- Flag bearer, or
- Torch bearer
(Roles will be assigned by the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival Executive Committee.)
Additional Information
- Detailed information will be provided after acceptance.
- Participants are encouraged to bring tabi boots if possible.
Application Information
Application Period
February 27 (Friday) – March 19 (Thursday), 2026
(Postmark valid on deadline date)
How to Apply
Please apply using one of the following methods:
- Submit via Google Form, or
- Complete the designated application form and send it by mail
The application form can be downloaded from the official Yonezawa Uesugi Festival website or obtained from the office below.
Application Office / Secretariat
Yonezawa Uesugi Festival Executive Committee
(Yonezawa Tourism Convention Association)
1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata 992-0052, Japan
TEL: +81-238-22-9607
FAX: +81-238-22-2042
