Fukushima Prefecture abounds in unique festivals, in every season, all-year-round. Each of its festivals, rooted in religious customs, agricultural practices or the reenactment of historical events, reflects its particular locale's history and traditional culture. And each festival is closely linked with traditional arts, which are performed or displayed during the celebration. Vigorous efforts are being made to preserve and pass on these arts as vital assets of local culture.

Major Festivals in Fukushima Prefecture

	Ryozen Shrine Grand Festival (Ryozen Town) - April 22 This festival celebrates the history of the turbulent Nanbokucho (Northern and Southern Court) Period (1336-1392) , when the conflict between rival Imperial courts divided the nation. Ten of young people in samurai costume offer the Sword Dance to the local shrine deity.
	Hinoemata Kabuki Performance (Hinoemata Village) - May 12 and August 18 Begun in the 18th century, this kind of Kabuki performance by farmers is rarely seen nowadays. It reenacts tales of the medieval Taira clan, who are claimed as ancestors by the villagers.
	Tajima Gion Festival (Tajima Town) - July 19 to 21 In this festival, which dates back 800 years, men wearing traditional kamishimo attire and young women dressed in bridal costumes, all carrying offerings of rice wine and festival foods, parade through the town to the local shrine.
	Soma-Nomaoi Festival (Soma City, Haramachi City, Odaka Town and others) - July 23 to 25 Dating back 1,000 years, this festival has been handed down in places that once belonged to the Soma clan. It spectacularly recreates the atmosphere of the Warring States Period (1467-1568). Some 500 horsemen in samurai costumes scramble for shrine flags, which are shot into the air with a burst of fireworks. Overseas, this event is considered to be one of Japan's most representative festivals.
	Yabusame (Mounted Archery) Iino Hachiman Shrine (Iwaki City) - September 14 to 15, Furudono Hachiman Shrine (Furudono Town) - The second weekend in October Once a sport practiced by the samurai warriors of ancient times, Yabusame (mounted archery) is demonstrated nowadays as a shrine event dedicated to the local shrine deity.
	Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Nihonmatsu City) - October 4 to 6 This festival is highlighted by a parade of festival floats, each displaying numerous lanterns that resemble ripe rice crops.
	Taimatsu-akashi Festival (Sukagawa City) - The second Saturday in November This fire festival, one of the three greatest in Japan, is dedicated to consoling the spirits of victims of an event that took place some 400 years ago - the capture of Sukagawa Castle by Lord Masamune Date. As evening falls, large processions of people carrying torches four to six meters long parade through the streets, lighting up the night sky.
	Kohata Banner Festival (Towa Town) - The first Sunday in December During this festival, people carrying colorful banners blow trumpet conch shells while parading along the route to Okitsushima Shrine.
	Nanokado Hadaka-mairi Festival (Yanaizu Town) - January 7 At the sound of the day's first temple bell, young townsmen clad only in loin-cloths rush to climb up a thick rope to the ceiling of the main sanctuary Nanokado Temple, scrambling to capture a holy charm that is believed to bring good luck. This unusual festival is known throughout Japan.
	Sinobu Sanzan Akatsuki-mairi Festival (Fukushima City) - February 10 to 11 In this unique festival, celebrants carry a huge straw sandal, 12 meters long and weighing two tons, to Haguro Shrine on Mt. Shinobu. There, the sandal is offered in prayer in return for a bountiful harvest and safety for family members.

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