Osaka Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Procession

On March 7, the suburbs of eastern Osaka become the stomping ground of 16th-century warlord Miyoshi Nagayoshi and his samurai once again. Daito City’s annual warrior procession sees around 200 participants dressed in period armour and traditional attire march from Hojo Park through local shopping streets and back again, with sword-fighting demonstrations, stage performances and music along the route.

The procession celebrates Miyoshi Nagayoshi (1522–1564), a samurai who controlled territories across Kansai during his rule. With plenty of banner-waving, local food stalls and family activities, it’s a full-scale historical spectacle in a neighbourhood that doesn’t see many tourists.