The 100th Kenshin Festival, which honors the legacy of the warlord Kenshin Uesugi, was held over two days on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24, in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. This milestone year saw actor Ken Matsudaira take on the role of Kenshin, displaying his valiant presence.
The 100th anniversary of the Kenshin Festival began with the lighting of the bonfire, as it does every year.
Joetsu Tourism and Convention Association Chairman Tomoharu Yamada
“This is a milestone year, marking our 100th anniversary. We have continued without interruption. This is the only place where Kenshin Uesugi was born. We want to cherish it.”
The Mikoshi procession of Lord Kenshin was carried out by approximately 300 residents of Kasugayama Town over two days, visiting 22 neighborhoods.
Then, at around 4:30 p.m., with the temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, the main event, the “parade,” began. Approximately 400 people from all over the country participated, dressed as the Uesugi and Takeda armies, and marched along the Sanroku Line for about 600 meters.
“The entire Uesugi army is marching toward Kawanakajima! Let’s go!”
The actor who appeared wearing a white hood was Ken Matsudaira, who played the role of Kenshin Uesugi.
Many spectators gathered at the Kasugayama intersection, where the mountain foot line and performances were held, cheering “Oyakata-sama!”
At 6:00 p.m., another main event, “Reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima,” was held at Kasugayama Castle Historic Site Square, where the one-on-one battle between Kenshin Uesugi and Shingen Takeda was reenacted.
After that, Matsudaira sent a message to the audience.
Ken Matsudaira as Kenshin Uesugi
“I am deeply honored to play such an important role. I hope that everyone will continue to carry on this history for the 100th, 101st, and many more times to come.”
Finally, fireworks were set off to the tune of Matsudaira’s signature song, “Matsuken Samba II.”
From Tokyo
“I came because Ken Matsudaira was appearing. It was wonderful. I felt a sense of history. I want to come again next year. I hope it continues for a long time.”
From the local community
“It was great. It was fun. I hope it becomes a lively festival that everyone will want to visit every year.”
From Toyama
“This is my third time participating. There were a lot of people this year, and it was very lively. There were also fireworks. Ken Matsudaira played the role of Kenshin. It was very lively.”
The next day, a rice offering battle was held, with 14 teams carrying mikoshi floats loaded with rice bales up a 1.5-kilometer slope toward Kasugayama Castle.
In addition, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the event, the Myoko City Karayamabushi Preservation Society performed the Karayamabushi stick dance, famous for its fire festival, for the first time at Kasugayama Shrine.
Karayamabushi Preservation Society Shogo Uchida
“It’s a rare opportunity. It’s a historic shrine. I’m grateful to have been invited for the 100th anniversary. I was able to perform as I had practiced. I hope the tradition will continue for a long time.”
