Annual Events

A peculiar festival held at the Kashima Miko Shrine during Little New Year (mid-January.)
Men who are of an unlucky age (especially 25 and 42) walk around the ward praying for protection against fires in order to throw off their bad luck.

Date
Second Sunday in January

Location
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Kashima Ward, Kashima

This event is held every year in an effort to exchange the traditional performance arts of the area, and to pass down the area’s culture to future generations.
At this presentation, performers and audience members are swept up together in a wave of high energy entertainment.

Date
Early February

Location
Minamisoma City Culture Hall (Yume Hat)
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward, Motomachi 2-chome 28-1

The most popular cherry blossom spot in town is Yonomori Park.
Guests flock to eat at the rows of food stalls, enjoy performances throughout the day, and experience the cherry blossoms illuminated at night.

Date
Early April

Location
Yonomori Park
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward, Mishimacho 1-chome 67-1

Riders who participate in Soma Nomaoi deck themselves in colorful jockey-style clothing in this customary event to promote Soma Nomaoi.

Date
Mid-April

Location
Hibarigahara Festival Grounds
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi, Gorai, Deguchi

The traditional folk song “Soma Nagareyama” is an indispensable part of Nomaoi as the military song of the Nakamura Domain.
Many people from all over the country come to participate in this singing competition.

Date
Mid-June

Location
Minamisoma City Culture Hall (Yume Hat)
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward, Motomachi 2-chome 28-1

The night before Soma Nomaoi, traditional “Soma Bon” music is played in Haramachi. Parade floats lead a long procession of thousands of dancers, from children to adults, through the streets of downtown. The city is enveloped in a festive atmosphere before the main events the following day.

Date
Last Saturday in July

Location
Street in front of Haranomachi Station
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward

This event blends Japanese and Western instruments at an event held near the stone images of the Daihisan Yakushi Shrine. These images are a designated historic landmark. Come enjoy the magical atmosphere of this concert.

Date
Early October

Location
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Odaka Ward

Riders who participate in Soma Nomaoi deck themselves in colorful jockey-style clothing in this customary event to promote Soma Nomaoi.

Date
Mid-October

Location
Hibarigahara Festival Grounds
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward, Gorai Deguchi

During the harvest season, Ekidori Street becomes a pedestrian zone packed with stalls and events. People of all age can come and enjoy the taste of autumn.

Date
Early November

Location
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward

Over 2000 strong runners gather from around the country to participate in an exciting race along the Nomaoi Hometown Course. Famous Japanese celebrities also participate every year.

Date
Early December

Location
Hibarigahara Track Field
Fukushima Prefecture, Minamisoma, Haramachi Ward, Nakaota Tenguda 96