相馬野馬追を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、相馬野馬追に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 相馬野馬追の基本情報
- 福島県相馬地方（主に南相馬市・相馬市）で毎年5月下旬に開催
- 千年以上の歴史を持つ伝統的な武者祭り
- 本物の甲冑を着た騎馬武者が行列や競馬、神旗争奪戦などを行う
- 主なイベント・見どころ
- 武者行列 : 400人以上の騎馬武者が町中を練り歩く壮大な行列
- 甲冑競馬：鎧を着た騎手による競馬。通常の競馬とは異なり、武具を身に着けているため非常に重く、技術が必要
- 神旗争奪戦：空中に打ち上げられた神の旗を騎馬武者が奪い合う神事、祭りのクライマックス
- 野馬懸：野生の馬を素手で捕らえて神前に奉納する古い神事
- 現代的意味
- 無形民俗文化財：国が指定する重要な伝統文化、法的に保護され、次世代への継承が重視される
- 地域アイデンティティ：地元住民にとって誇りと絆の象徴、家族代々で参加することが多く、コミュニティの結束を深めている
２人が相馬野馬追（そうまのまおい）について話しています。
千年以上続く歴史や、武者行列、甲冑競馬、神旗争奪戦といった主なイベント、人気の理由などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Soma Nomaoi? I came across it online, and it looks really impressive.
Of course! It’s that huge samurai festival in Fukushima, right? It’s actually one of Japan’s oldest and most exciting traditional events.
Exactly. I was surprised to learn it’s over a thousand years old. I’m really interested in samurai culture, so the idea of seeing hundreds of people in armor sounds amazing.
Absolutely. During Soma Nomaoi, you can see real samurai armor, not just for display but actually being worn by people riding horses. It’s almost like stepping back in time.
That must be so cool. Do you know what kind of events they have during the festival?
Yes, the main highlights are the samurai parade, the armored horse race, and the flag competition called “Shinki-sodatsusen.” The parade alone has about 400 riders marching through the city.
Wow, that’s massive! The flag competition especially caught my eye. What happens in that event?
So, a sacred flag is launched into the sky, and dozens of horse riders rush to catch it while still on horseback. It’s thrilling and can get pretty intense.
Sounds exciting! I read that the festival isn’t just a show but has deep roots in samurai military training and religious rituals. Is that true?
Yes, that’s right. The festival began as a way for samurai to practice and pray for protection. Now, it’s a symbol of local pride and community spirit.
I heard that even the armor and flags are often passed down in families. That’s really special.
Definitely. Many families take great pride in their heritage, and some of the equipment has been used for generations.
Is it popular among tourists as well, or is it mostly a local event?
It’s really popular. In recent years, tens of thousands of people have attended, including many tourists from outside the region and even abroad.
I imagine it must be a unique experience for visitors, not just locals.
Exactly. It’s one of the few places where you can see such an authentic samurai festival on a grand scale.
Has anything changed about the festival recently?
Yes, actually. They moved the date from July to May to avoid the summer heat, and now more women are joining as riders too.
That’s great! I like how it’s keeping its traditions but also becoming more open.
Yes, and it still keeps all the main features: the parade, the horse race, the flag competition, and the final ritual called “Nomakake.”
What’s “Nomakake”?
It’s a ritual on the last day, based on catching wild horses and offering them to the gods. Now it’s more symbolic, but it’s very important to the festival.
This really makes me want to visit Soma during the festival. Experiencing all that history and excitement must be unforgettable.
You should definitely go! It’s a powerful mix of tradition, action, and community spirit—you’d love it.
概要 / Overview
「相馬野馬追」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
相馬野馬追
Introduction
Soma Nomaoi is a traditional festival held every year in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. This special event is famous for its samurai spirit and amazing horse events. Soma Nomaoi is more than 1,000 years old, and it is one of the oldest festivals in Japan.
History and Tradition
The festival began a long time ago, in the time of the samurai. It started as a way for samurai to practice military skills and to pray for safety and good luck in battle. Even today, local people keep these old traditions alive. Many families pass down their samurai armor and flags from generation to generation.
Main Events
The main events of Soma Nomaoi are very exciting. There is a big parade with about 400 people wearing real samurai armor and riding horses through the city. There is also an armored horse race where riders race at high speed. One of the most popular events is the flag competition, where riders try to catch a special flag falling from the sky. The last day has a special ceremony called “Nomakake,” which is very important for local people.
Why It Is Special
Soma Nomaoi is not just a show. It is a real tradition that shows the pride and teamwork of the community. Many tourists visit every year to enjoy the powerful and beautiful scenes. This festival is a great way to experience Japanese history, culture, and the spirit of the samurai.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「相馬野馬追」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Soma Nomaoi?
Soma Nomaoi is a traditional samurai festival held every year in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
2: How old is the Soma Nomaoi festival?
Soma Nomaoi has a history of more than 1,000 years. It is one of the oldest festivals in Japan.
3: When does Soma Nomaoi take place?
The festival takes place every year in late May.
4: What are the main events of Soma Nomaoi?
The main events are the samurai parade, the armored horse race, and the flag competition called Shinki-sodatsusen.
5: What is special about the parade?
About 400 people wear real samurai armor and ride horses through the city, making a powerful scene.
6: What happens in the flag competition?
Riders on horses try to catch a special flag that falls from the sky. It is very exciting to watch.
7: Why did the festival move to May?
The festival changed from July to May to avoid the summer heat.
8: Are there any special ceremonies?
Yes, on the last day there is a ceremony called Nomakake, which is important for local people.
9: Do tourists visit Soma Nomaoi?
Yes, many tourists from Japan and other countries visit to see the festival.
10: Why is Soma Nomaoi important?
Soma Nomaoi is important because it keeps old samurai traditions alive and brings the community together.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Soma Nomaoi? I came across it online, and it looks really impressive.
ねえKey、相馬野馬追って知ってる？ネットで見かけたんだけど、すごく面白そうだったよ。
Of course! It’s that huge samurai festival in Fukushima, right? It’s actually one of Japan’s oldest and most exciting traditional events.
もちろん知ってるよ！福島でやる大きな侍のお祭りでしょ？日本でも最古級ですごく盛り上がる伝統行事なんだ。
Exactly. I was surprised to learn it’s over a thousand years old. I’m really interested in samurai culture, so the idea of seeing hundreds of people in armor sounds amazing.
そう、それに千年以上も続いてるって知ってびっくりしたよ。僕、侍文化に興味あるから、何百人も甲冑を着てるのを見るなんて最高だなって思ったんだ。
Absolutely. During Soma Nomaoi, you can see real samurai armor, not just for display but actually being worn by people riding horses. It’s almost like stepping back in time.
本当だよ。相馬野馬追では、本物の甲冑を実際に馬に乗って着てる人たちが見られるんだ。まるで昔にタイムスリップしたみたいな感じだよ。
That must be so cool. Do you know what kind of events they have during the festival?
それ、めちゃくちゃカッコいいね。お祭りではどんなイベントがあるのか知ってる？
Yes, the main highlights are the samurai parade, the armored horse race, and the flag competition called “Shinki-sodatsusen.” The parade alone has about 400 riders marching through the city.
うん、主な見どころは武者行列と甲冑競馬、それに「神旗争奪戦」っていう旗を奪い合う競技だよ。パレードだけでも約400人の騎馬武者が街中を進むんだ。
Wow, that’s massive! The flag competition especially caught my eye. What happens in that event?
うわ、それはすごい規模だね！特に旗の競争が気になったんだけど、あれってどんなことをするの？
So, a sacred flag is launched into the sky, and dozens of horse riders rush to catch it while still on horseback. It’s thrilling and can get pretty intense.
まず神聖な旗が空に打ち上げられて、それを馬に乗ったままみんなで奪い合うんだよ。すごく迫力があって、会場も大盛り上がりになるよ。
Sounds exciting! I read that the festival isn’t just a show but has deep roots in samurai military training and religious rituals. Is that true?
めちゃくちゃワクワクするね！お祭りって単なるショーじゃなくて、もともとは侍の軍事訓練や神事が由来って読んだけど、本当なの？
Yes, that’s right. The festival began as a way for samurai to practice and pray for protection. Now, it’s a symbol of local pride and community spirit.
うん、その通り。元々は侍たちの訓練や安全を祈るために始まったんだ。今では地域の誇りや団結の象徴にもなってるよ。
I heard that even the armor and flags are often passed down in families. That’s really special.
甲冑や旗も家ごとに代々受け継がれているって聞いたよ。それって本当に特別だよね。
Definitely. Many families take great pride in their heritage, and some of the equipment has been used for generations.
そうなんだ。多くの家が伝統をすごく大事にしていて、代々使ってきた甲冑や旗も多いよ。
Is it popular among tourists as well, or is it mostly a local event?
観光客にも人気があるの？それとも地元の人が中心なのかな？
It’s really popular. In recent years, tens of thousands of people have attended, including many tourists from outside the region and even abroad.
かなり人気あるよ。最近は県外や海外からの観光客も多くて、何万人も集まる大イベントになってる。
I imagine it must be a unique experience for visitors, not just locals.
それだけ多くの人が集まるってことは、観光客にとっても特別な体験になるんだろうね。
Exactly. It’s one of the few places where you can see such an authentic samurai festival on a grand scale.
うん、本物の侍のお祭りをこれだけ大きな規模で見られる場所は他にほとんどないよ。
Has anything changed about the festival recently?
最近、お祭りで変わったこととかあるの？
Yes, actually. They moved the date from July to May to avoid the summer heat, and now more women are joining as riders too.
あるよ。夏の暑さを避けるために開催時期が7月から5月に変わったし、最近は女性の騎馬武者も増えてるんだ。
That’s great! I like how it’s keeping its traditions but also becoming more open.
それはいいね！伝統を守りつつ、新しいことも取り入れてるのがいいな。
Yes, and it still keeps all the main features: the parade, the horse race, the flag competition, and the final ritual called “Nomakake.”
うん、でも主な見どころは変わらず全部残ってるよ。パレードや競馬、旗争奪戦、最後の「野馬懸」っていう儀式もちゃんとある。
What’s “Nomakake”?
その「野馬懸」って何？
It’s a ritual on the last day, based on catching wild horses and offering them to the gods. Now it’s more symbolic, but it’s very important to the festival.
最終日に行う儀式で、もともとは野生の馬を捕まえて神様に奉納してたんだ。今は形だけだけど、すごく大切な神事なんだよ。
This really makes me want to visit Soma during the festival. Experiencing all that history and excitement must be unforgettable.
なんだか本当に相馬まで行ってお祭りを見てみたくなったよ。あんな歴史と迫力を体感できるなんて一生の思い出になりそうだ。
You should definitely go! It’s a powerful mix of tradition, action, and community spirit—you’d love it.
絶対行った方がいいよ！伝統と迫力と地域の一体感、全部楽しめるからきっと気に入ると思う。
概要 / Overview
相馬野馬追
Introduction
Soma Nomaoi is a traditional festival held every year in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. This special event is famous for its samurai spirit and amazing horse events. Soma Nomaoi is more than 1,000 years old, and it is one of the oldest festivals in Japan.
相馬野馬追は、福島県相馬市で毎年行われる伝統的なお祭りです。この特別な行事は、侍の精神と迫力ある馬のイベントで有名です。相馬野馬追は千年以上の歴史があり、日本でも最も古い祭りの一つです。
History and Tradition
The festival began a long time ago, in the time of the samurai. It started as a way for samurai to practice military skills and to pray for safety and good luck in battle. Even today, local people keep these old traditions alive. Many families pass down their samurai armor and flags from generation to generation.
この祭りは、遥か昔、侍がいた時代に始まりました。もともとは侍が軍事訓練をしたり、戦いの安全や幸運を祈るための行事でした。今でも地元の人たちはこの古い伝統を守り続けています。多くの家では、甲冑や旗が代々受け継がれています。
Main Events
The main events of Soma Nomaoi are very exciting. There is a big parade with about 400 people wearing real samurai armor and riding horses through the city. There is also an armored horse race where riders race at high speed. One of the most popular events is the flag competition, where riders try to catch a special flag falling from the sky. The last day has a special ceremony called “Nomakake,” which is very important for local people.
相馬野馬追の主なイベントはとても迫力があります。約400人が本物の甲冑を着て馬に乗り、市内を練り歩く大きなパレードがあります。さらに、鎧を着たままの騎馬武者によるスピード感あふれる競馬も行われます。特に人気なのは、空から落ちてくる特別な旗を馬上で奪い合う「神旗争奪戦」です。最終日には「野馬懸」という特別な神事もあり、地元の人々にとってとても大切な儀式です。
Why It Is Special
Soma Nomaoi is not just a show. It is a real tradition that shows the pride and teamwork of the community. Many tourists visit every year to enjoy the powerful and beautiful scenes. This festival is a great way to experience Japanese history, culture, and the spirit of the samurai.
相馬野馬追は単なるショーではありません。本物の伝統であり、地域の誇りや協力の心を表しています。毎年多くの観光客が力強く美しい光景を楽しみに訪れます。このお祭りは、日本の歴史や文化、侍の精神を体験できる素晴らしい機会です。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Soma Nomaoi?
相馬野馬追とは何ですか？
Soma Nomaoi is a traditional samurai festival held every year in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
相馬野馬追は、毎年福島県相馬市で行われる伝統的な侍のお祭りです。
2: How old is the Soma Nomaoi festival?
相馬野馬追はどのくらいの歴史がありますか？
Soma Nomaoi has a history of more than 1,000 years. It is one of the oldest festivals in Japan.
相馬野馬追は千年以上の歴史があり、日本でも最も古い祭りの一つです。
3: When does Soma Nomaoi take place?
相馬野馬追はいつ行われますか？
The festival takes place every year in late May.
このお祭りは毎年5月下旬に開催されます。
4: What are the main events of Soma Nomaoi?
相馬野馬追の主なイベントは何ですか？
The main events are the samurai parade, the armored horse race, and the flag competition called Shinki-sodatsusen.
主なイベントは武者行列、甲冑競馬、そして「神旗争奪戦」と呼ばれる旗の競争です。
5: What is special about the parade?
パレードの特徴は何ですか？
About 400 people wear real samurai armor and ride horses through the city, making a powerful scene.
約400人が本物の甲冑を着て馬に乗り、街を進むとても迫力ある光景です。
6: What happens in the flag competition?
旗の競争では何が行われますか？
Riders on horses try to catch a special flag that falls from the sky. It is very exciting to watch.
馬に乗った参加者たちが、空から落ちてくる特別な旗を奪い合います。見るのもとてもワクワクします。
7: Why did the festival move to May?
なぜお祭りは5月に移動したのですか？
The festival changed from July to May to avoid the summer heat.
夏の暑さを避けるため、開催時期が7月から5月に変更されました。
8: Are there any special ceremonies?
特別な儀式はありますか？
Yes, on the last day there is a ceremony called Nomakake, which is important for local people.
はい、最終日には「野馬懸（のまかけ）」という地元の人にとって大切な儀式があります。
9: Do tourists visit Soma Nomaoi?
観光客は相馬野馬追を訪れますか？
Yes, many tourists from Japan and other countries visit to see the festival.
はい、日本国内や海外から多くの観光客がこの祭りを見に来ます。
10: Why is Soma Nomaoi important?
相馬野馬追はなぜ大切なのですか？
Soma Nomaoi is important because it keeps old samurai traditions alive and brings the community together.
相馬野馬追は、古い侍の伝統を守り、地域の人々の絆を強くする大切な祭りだからです。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
come across : 動詞句
意味: 偶然出会う、ふと見つける。To find or meet something or someone by chance.
（相馬野馬追の情報を偶然見つけた場面で使用）
例文：
- I came across an interesting article yesterday.
「昨日、面白い記事を偶然見つけました。」 - She came across an old friend at the station.
「彼女は駅で昔の友人に偶然会いました。」 - You might come across some new words in this book.
「この本で新しい単語に出くわすかもしれません。」
in time : 副詞句
意味: 時間内に、間に合って、やがて。Before the deadline or eventually.
（会話では「昔にタイムスリップしたみたいだ」という形で、「時代をさかのぼったような感覚」を表している）
例文：
- I arrived just in time for the meeting.
「私は会議にちょうど間に合って到着しました。」 - You will get better at English in time.
「やがて英語が上達しますよ。」 - She finished her homework in time.
「彼女は宿題を時間内に終えました。」
massive : 形容詞
意味: 巨大な、とても大きい。Very large, heavy, or impressive.
（パレードやイベントの規模がすごいことを表している）
例文：
- The festival attracted a massive crowd.
「その祭りはとても多くの人を集めました。」 - There was a massive earthquake last night.
「昨夜、大きな地震がありました。」 - He gave a massive amount of effort to win.
「彼は勝つために非常に大きな努力をしました。」
intense : 形容詞
意味: 強烈な、非常に激しい。Very strong or extreme in force, degree, or feeling.
（旗争奪戦など、競技や雰囲気が白熱していることを表している）
例文：
- The flag competition was really intense.
「旗争奪戦は本当に白熱していました。」 - He felt intense pressure during the test.
「彼はテスト中に強いプレッシャーを感じました。」 - The heat was intense yesterday.
「昨日はとても暑かったです。」
pass down : 動詞句
意味: 受け継ぐ、伝える。To give something to the next generation.
（甲冑や旗が家族で代々受け継がれる様子を指している）
例文：
- The armor was passed down from father to son.
「その甲冑は父から息子へと受け継がれました。」 - Stories are passed down in my family.
「私の家族では物語が語り継がれています。」 - The tradition has been passed down for generations.
「その伝統は何世代にもわたって受け継がれています。」