Last Sunday afternoon I went to Osaki Iwadeyama to attend my first-ever Masamune date festival in Iwadeyama. I lived in Iwadeyama for two years but that year was the surge of coronavirus. Any events or occasions are not allowed. That’s why I`ve never experienced attending festivities in Iwadeyama before. But this year it’s a must for me to attend this festival because I`ve been waiting for this for a long time.
The Iwadeyama Castle Site is currently maintained as a park. It is a place of relaxation for visitors. It overlooks the town of Iwadeyama and that castle park site was right in front of my house before. The street where the parade is performed is just right in front of my house. I also met my previous students before they were all grown up and they were surprised that they saw me walking around the street of Iwadeyama.
Masamune Festival, which is held on the second Saturday and Sunday in September every year, recreates the appearance of this warrior who set off from Iwadeyama leading a large force of 3,000 men to proceed to the capital approximately 420 years ago. This is a heroic sight of brilliantly dressed horseback warriors and armored warriors blowing war horns. It is exactly like I am watching an anime its very sureal.
JOHN
