Samurai festival in Fukushima

Samurai festival in Fukushima

MINAMISOMA, Japan - Performers wearing samurai armor on horseback vie for a red flag (C, top) in the Shinki (God flag) Sodatsusen battle during the Soma Nomaoi festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 24, 2010. About 38,000 spectators were treated to the show.

Traditional Soma-Nomaoi festival in Fukushima Pref.

Traditional Soma-Nomaoi festival in Fukushima Pref.

Horsemen dressed like samurai warriors compete for 40 shrine flags shot into the air with fireworks during the Shinki Sodatsusen, one of the highlights of the three-day Soma-Nomaoi festival, on Hibarigahara field in the city of Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 26, 2015. The district is known for horse breeding and the festival is said to have its origin in the early 10th century. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Traditional Soma-Nomaoi festival in Fukushima Pref.

Traditional Soma-Nomaoi festival in Fukushima Pref.

Horsemen dressed like samurai warriors compete for 40 shrine flags shot into the air with fireworks during the Shinki Sodatsusen, one of the highlights of the three-day Soma-Nomaoi festival, on Hibarigahara field in the city of Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 26, 2015. The district is known for horse breeding and the festival is said to have its origin in the early 10th century. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Samurai festival in Fukushima

Samurai festival in Fukushima

MINAMISOMA, Japan - Performers wearing samurai armor on horseback vie for a red flag (C, top) in the Shinki (God flag) Sodatsusen battle during the Soma Nomaoi festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 24, 2010. About 38,000 spectators were treated to the show. (Kyodo)