The "Kenshin Kosai", which is a tribute to Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin, was held in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, after taking measures against the infection of the new coronavirus.
"Kenshin Kosai" is a traditional event that has continued since the Taisho era, after Kenshin Uesugi was based in Kasugayama Castle in present-day Joetsu City.
As a countermeasure against the infection of the new coronavirus, the "departure procession" that reproduces the appearance of Kenshin heading for the "Battle of Kawanakajima", which has been reduced in scale and is the biggest attraction, has been cancelled.
Temperatures were measured at the entrance of the venue, and at 9 am, "Smoke Signals" were held at 10 locations in the city to announce the beginning of the festival.
Of these, at the Kasugayama Castle Ruins, while the sound of drums echoed, when a man wearing a white hood and screaming Kenshin ignited a tree branch, the signal was rising vigorously.
In addition, at the opening ceremony, the warriors in armor performed a sword-based performance.
A local man in his 70s said, "I'm glad that the performance was strong. I was really looking forward to this festival."