Oct 13, 2012 - 1 min read

Shiroishi Festival Reenactment

War (reenactment) photography

By Andrew Checkley

Community writer

After a short parade, reenactors line up opposite a sizeable crowd.

Arquebuse volleys are astonishingly loud.

Reenactors and spectators alike clearly enjoyed themselves very much.

Breakdancing ninja also make a surprise appearance.

Enthusiasm was almost palpable - it looks like a fun hobby.

The archers (likely a Kyudo club) were entirely female - though women also participated in the melee, armoured, ferocious and obviously having a great time.

The participants stayed for a while after the performance had finished, chatting with passers by and posing for photographs.

Old Japan meets new.

Shiroishi Castle is a pleasant day out all year round, whether in the rich red of Autumn or cloaked in the hushed snow of winter. A modern rebuild completed with traditional methods (and absolutely no concrete), in October, the Oni Kajuro Festival reenactment brings the long-peaceful castle to life.

Samurai battle to-and-fro across the grounds, traditional Kyudo archers fill the air, arquebuse deafen audiences and ninjas backflip gratuitously.

It's very enjoyable for young and old, Japanese and foreign alike.

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Andrew Checkley

By Andrew Checkley

Community writer

Following Follow

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.