A Samurai Parade in Tokyo 2017

On Sunday February 5th, 2017, a Samurai Parade “Yomigaeru Mushashi-Nitta” will be held in Musashi-Nitta in the south-western suburbs of Tokyo.

The parade is held in honor of samurai, Nitta Yoshioki, a brave and great warrior. He was the second son of Nitta Yoshisada, who supported the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo and Kamakura from the Hojo clan in 1333, and became famous for being a strong warlord who could win against any kind of large army with his wisdom and bravery. However, he was killed by his enemies through a cowardly attack at the "Yaguchi Ferry", when they bored holes in the bottom of his boat and fired off arrows from both banks, dying on October 10 1358.

Villagers who witnessed these horrific events decided to build a shrine for Nitta Yoshioki at the site of his death in order for his spirit to rest in peace.Today, the shrine is well known as a place of luck, and also for its 700-year-old zelkova tree that towers over the grounds. The tree has survived numerous fires, as well as the Tokyo air raids of 1945, and it is believed that those who touch the tree will receive good luck in health and longevity.

On Sunday February 5th, local people will join the parade wearing real samurai armor they made themselves during workshops run by a local association the previous November and December.