Hojo Godai Festival is an annual event in Odawara city, greatest both in scale and number of visitors. The event was held for the 52nd time this year, in remembrance of five generations of Hojo clan rulers who ruled this part of Japan in the 16th century. The highlight of the event was the warriors’ parade, in which 2000 people dressed in Sengoku period costumes march through the streets of Odawara.

In my last month here, I had the honour of taking part in this event as the chief vassal of the 5th Hojo, Hojo Ujinau. It was the second most important role in my squad of 29 people.

Without further ado, let me introduce to you the event from the perspective of a participant.

Firstly, the gathering place was Odawara sports center. All the armours were laid out nicely on the floor with a number tag so everyone could easily find theirs. Epitome of Japanese efficiency.

This was my cool armour.

And this not-so-cool armour belonged to everyone else in my squad except the Hojo.

My squad turned out to be about a third foreigners. There were many foreign students from Tokai university. German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Russian, Nigerian, Thai. Very colourful mix of nationalities.

There was a long greeting speech given by mayors from many cities as well as descendants of the Hojo clan. The event was opened with gun shots, and the long warriors parade began.

This was Yanagisawa Shingo, a celebrity who was born in Odawara. He was chosen to represent Hojo Soun, the very first Hojo.

Various squads.

And then there was a squad of custom-made armours.

This guy won the coolest-armour-of-the-day award in my opinion. Wish I could wear that instead.

And here was my squad.

And then here’s me.

…Totally not chief vassal-like at all.

Taken with one of my squad mates.

I doubt most spectators, or even participants, learnt much about the Hojo clan through this event, but it was a fun event that raised awareness about the Hojo clan at the very least. Sengoku fans would get their fix for the entire year. Also, it was nice to see such a crowded and lively Odawara. It was perhaps one of the two only days of the year the city got so crowded, the other being Hakone Ekiden. If you happen to be visiting Tokyo during Golden Week, do check out this event!

By Desheng.

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.