The clash of steel echoed through Ueno Park, punctuated by the thunder of taiko drums. The scent of festival food filled the air, but I focused on the stage, where performers in full armor brought the legends of the Sengoku period. That tumultuous 100-year era of civil war, which ended in 1603, roared back to life. For three days, the Samurai Festival 2024 was a whirlwind of choreographed combat, dance, and powerful music. I was only there on the Sunday, but my camera captured many great moments.
Photographing Samurai Festival 2024
Navigating the photography pit was a challenge in itself. The crowd was a dense wall of shoulders and smartphones. Getting a clear shot meant patience, waiting for a gap to open, then quickly moving in to claim a precious few inches of space before it vanished. I photographed for about three hours. In total, I saw seven acts. They were:
- Benizakura Kenbukai
- Burakuza
- Katana CT
- Kenbukai Edge Shidenryu
- Rin-Pa
- Sakura Yuki and Yasuhiro Ono
- Okatou
Most of the groups did sword-fighting displays, but not all. Sakura Yuki and Yasuhiro Ono sang. Burakuza did massive ink drawings. All of them were great, but I think most people went to the Samurai Festival to see whirling katanas.
Everything was timed to music. Some of it was modern and loud. Other pieces were classically Japanese. It added a little extra punch to the swordplay. Katana CT especially used it to great effect.
If you are into the samurai and Sengoku-Jidai (Period of Warring States), the stage was solid, free fun. Every group brought something unique to their performances. And that pleasantly surprised me.
Before going, I thought the show would be formulaic, like Power Rangers. Not exactly. Each group and performer was unique.
Top performance highlights
- Rin-Pa: An all-girl group that had just returned from an overseas tour. Actually, one or two guys were on the team, but in supporting roles. If I understood things correctly, they were the villains.
- This group had a slick production. Everyone could use a sword. However, I did see one member slip and go down hard on the stage. But she got up and carried on as if nothing had happened. What a trooper!
- Rin-Pa also incorporated humor into their act. They were fun and lively. I hope to see them again. They are active (see their Facebook page here), so that will probably happen.
- Katana CT: These were comedians. They incorporated some modern elements into their act. James Bond even played a part. I won’t spoil it by saying any more, but if you like slapstick, you’ll love them.
- Kenbukai Edge Shidenryu: These people were high-energy. They put that into their swords, Japanese dance, and singing. A powerful performance resulted.
Onna-Musha: Legacy of female samurai
Yes, they did. They were called Onna-Musha. They didn’t number that many, but they had their role in the Sengoku period. They were well represented at Samurai Festival 2024.
Solving stage lighting challenges
The biggest challenge wasn’t the crowds, but the light. It was crazy. The covered stage plunged the performers into deep shadow, while the blazing afternoon sun created strips of harsh, bright light at the edge. A samurai would leap, their face perfectly exposed for a split second before they stepped back, their expression swallowed by darkness. My camera’s light meter worked overtime.
I decided to use auto ISO. The camera controlled it for me, and it did a good job. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it made my life easier.
Event & Photography Details
Location & Dates:
The Samurai Festival is an annual event held at Ueno Park next to Fountain Plaza in Tokyo, typically in February. For exact dates, be sure to check the official festival website.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR and
- Fujifilm XF 55-200 mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
A new generation keeps the legend alive
More than just a history lesson, the Samurai Festival 2024 was a masterclass in modern entertainment. From comedic duels to powerful, all-female sword dances, each group surpassed expectations. It proved the enduring fascination with Japan’s rich heritage.
Capturing these moments, despite the challenging light and crowds, was a reminder that these stories are not just alive. They are being passed to a new generation, one thrilling (thankfully) bloodless sword fight at a time.
Were you at Samurai Festival 2024? Did you photograph it? Tell us your experience by leaving a comment below! If you want to see a more historical reenactment, check out [A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s 1000-Year-Old Samurai Parade].
