Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture (Mayor: Takahiro Katsuragawa) and the Kameoka Mitsuhide Festival Executive Committee (Chairman: Masanobu Okumura) announce the recruitment of participants for the main event of the 53rd Kameoka Mitsuhide Festival (hereafter referred to as "the festival") scheduled for May 3rd, 2026. The festival's centerpiece, the "Akechi Mitsuhide Samurai Parade," will feature recruitment for seven key roles, including the lead role of Akechi Mitsuhide himself. This initiative aims to spread the legacy of Mitsuhide, who built the castle town of Kameoka, to future generations.
The Tradition of Honoring Mitsuhide as a Benevolent Lord
While historically known for the Honnoji Incident, Akechi Mitsuhide is beloved in Kameoka City as a compassionate ruler who implemented flood control projects and tax exemptions. He is also remembered as a devoted husband who never took a concubine throughout his life. The festival honors Mitsuhide's legacy and reaffirms the community's historical identity. Through this public recruitment, the city aims to share Kameoka's pride with history enthusiasts across Japan.
Wear Authentic Armor and Ride on Horseback to Become a Historical Figure
Tens of thousands of spectators line the streets to watch armored warriors parade majestically through the historic castle town. Participants wear authentic costumes and play an important role in embodying Kameoka City's history.
- Event Date
May 3rd, 2026 (Sunday)
- Application Deadline
March 9th, 2026 (Monday) [Must Arrive]
- Main Recruitment Roles and Participation Fees
| Role | Number of Positions/Participation Fee | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Akechi Mitsuhide | 1 person / 200,000 yen | Age 15 and above |
| Hiroko (Mitsuhide's wife) | 1 person / 100,000 yen | Female, age 15 and above |
| Tamako (later Hosokawa Gracia, Mitsuhide's daughter) | 1 person / 50,000 yen | Female, grades 5-9 |
| Akechi Hidemitsu, Saito Toshimitsu, and other retainers | 1 person each / 100,000 yen | Age 15 and above |
A Premium Experience Worth 200,000 Yen
For history enthusiasts, the 200,000 yen participation fee for the role of Akechi Mitsuhide represents extraordinary value. This is why this once-in-a-lifetime premium experience is worth it:
- Authentic Costumes and Professional Styling
Wear meticulously crafted armor and costumes. Professional dressers and makeup artists will transform you into a Sengoku period warlord.
- Become the Center of Attention for Tens of Thousands
Experience being cheered by tens of thousands of spectators lining the streets with calls of "Mitsuhide-sama!" as you ride on horseback through the historic castle town. This is an experience impossible to replicate through personal photography or tourism.
- Your Name Recorded in Official History
As the lead role in a traditional Kameoka City event spanning over 50 years, your name will be inscribed in the official pamphlet and city records.
Message from the Executive Committee Chairman
For Kameoka City, Akechi Mitsuhide is a benevolent lord who laid the foundation of our town. Rather than having only the administration and business community lead this committee, we want to enliven this tradition together with people from across Japan through public recruitment. We look forward to passionate applications from those who wish to share Mitsuhide's true character with the world.
Future Outlook
The Kameoka Mitsuhide Festival Executive Committee aims to cultivate civic pride and expand the related population through historical and cultural initiatives. The city will continue to pass on Mitsuhide's spirit to future generations as "the town of Akechi Mitsuhide."
About Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
Located in central Kyoto Prefecture, Kameoka City is a rural city with excellent access, approximately 20 minutes by rapid train from JR Kyoto Station. While striving to become an environmentally advanced city, it carefully preserves its history as a castle town built by the warlord Akechi Mitsuhide. As the city celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, and with the "43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tanba" scheduled for September 18th, 2026, Kameoka is an area where rich nature and history harmonize, attracting increasing attention.
- Official City Website: https://www.city.kameoka.kyoto.jp/
- Official City Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kameokacity/
