Japan keeps traditional samurai horse festival alive by adapting to climate change
Summary
Japan's Soma Nomaoi festival, a 1,000-year-old event celebrating samurai horsemen, has changed its schedule from summer to late May. This shift helps protect riders and horses from dangerously high summer temperatures caused by climate change.Key Facts
- Soma Nomaoi is a traditional festival in Japan featuring horseback riders dressed in samurai armor.
- The festival has been held for over 1,000 years and uninterrupted for at least the last 400 years.
- The event usually took place during Japan's hot summers, but extreme heat was causing health problems and even horse deaths.
- Organizers moved the festival to late May to avoid the hottest weather and improve safety for participants and animals.
- Riders wear heavy armor and kimonos under it, which becomes very uncomfortable in high heat.
- The festival includes horse races, flag-catching competitions, and attempts to catch wild horses.
- The festival was held even after major disasters like the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear crisis.
- Climate change has led to more frequent extreme heat in Japan, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher.
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