「チャグチャグ馬コ」街に響く鈴の音　初参加の若手馬主「歴史の一員に」　岩手県 (26/06/15 21:00)

The Chagu Chagu Umakko festival, a traditional early summer event in Iwate Prefecture, was held in Morioka City and other locations on June 13th, filling the streets with the cheerful sound of bells. We interviewed a man who participated for the first time as a horse owner in 2026. The Chagu Chagu Umakko festival, a traditional event that has continued for over 200 years, is said to have originated as a way to express gratitude to horses that worked during rice planting and to pray for a bountiful harvest. In 2026, 65 horses participated, including Shota Suzuki (33), a young horse owner participating for the first time. Shota Suzuki (33) "Feeling the weight of history, I want to do my best to get the horse to walk safely." Originally from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Mr. Suzuki moved to Takizawa City five years ago after getting married. He succeeded his father-in-law as president of a company that supports employment for people with disabilities through horse breeding and other activities. She will participate with her eldest daughter, Sumika (4), who loves horses. Sumika (4), Ms. Suzuki's eldest daughter "It's fun. (Q: Will you ride until the end?) Yes." The horse procession, including the Suzuki family, departed from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City and paraded through the peaceful countryside. While the riders smiled from horseback, Sumika fell asleep, perhaps due to the soothing rocking of the horse. The heartwarming sight of the children and the procession of horses in their vibrant costumes delighted the people along the route. A visitor from Akita Prefecture "It was refreshing to see horses. They were cool." After 1 PM, the procession entered the center of Morioka City. The horses adorned the shopping streets of Odori. As the handlers expressed their gratitude to the spectators along the route, Ms. Suzuki, though looking a little nervous, continued to wave. After about four and a half hours from departure, the group arrived at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. The citizens who interacted with the horses savored the charm of the traditional event. A person from Takizawa City said: "I hope this festival will be passed down forever." Mr. Suzuki, who made his debut as a horse owner amidst a declining trend in the number of horses participating in the festival, received a letter of appreciation from Mayor Shigeru Uchidate. Mr. Suzuki reflected on his first participation: Shota Suzuki (33) "My legs feel like lead, but thinking that this scenery has remained unchanged for hundreds of years, I felt great pride and joy in being a part of history. I hope to participate every year and protect this tradition." The desire to preserve the scenery of Iwate forever will be passed on to the next generation.