Grand Departure Ceremony for "The Great Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary: Tenka Ichi Festival - Winter Campaign 2014" in splendid warrior attire

As a core event of the "Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary Tenkaichi Festival" (organized by the Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary Project Executive Committee), which aims to promote Osaka's history, culture, and urban appeal, "Winter Siege 2014" opened on October 1st at Osaka Castle Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City (running until December 31st).

At the departure ceremony held at the "Samurai Museum: Wushou Hall," the "Osaka RONIN 5" – a group formed around the characters of five key ronin from the Toyotomi army, including Sanada Yukimura and Mouri Katsunaga – first performed. Next, Osaka Prefecture Governor Ichiro Matsui and Osaka City Mayor Toru Hashimoto took the stage. Governor Matsui expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We want to make the name 'Osaka' resound throughout the world and invite many people to visit." Mayor Hashimoto added, "Through the Siege of Osaka, the power of the people and the power of commerce flourished in Osaka. The Tenkaichi Festival will also be run with the cooperation of the private sector." Executive Committee Chairman Shinya Hashizume (Special Advisor to Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City) stated, "We want this battle to be an opportunity to reaffirm that it is precisely because of this conflict that Osaka has prospered as a peaceful castle town to the present day."

Next, singer Akiko Wada, a native of Osaka City and the festival's Special Mission Support Captain, and Kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka, a native of Sakai City and Deputy Captain, appeared dressed as military commanders. Wada said, "I feel a bubbling sense of determination to really get things going," while Kataoka expressed his enthusiasm, "I want everyone to see the power of Osaka's 'melting pot'. I want to convey the feeling that something is about to begin here." They then performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Governor Matsui, Mayor Hashimoto, and Chairman Hashizume.

The venue featured the "Samurai Museum: Warlord Hall," where visitors could experience the Warring States period through cutting-edge visual technology, and the "Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary: Nishinomaru Dome" – a massive 36-meter-diameter tent hosting various programs including traditional Kansai performing arts. Additionally, the main keep offered "Osaka Siege AR," where tablet devices overlaid the view from the observation deck with military formations and historical anecdotes from the siege. Limited-time events will also be held, including the "Local Mascot Unification War" (October 11-13) and special public access to Osaka Castle's yagura (watchtowers) (November 8-16).

"Osaka Siege AR" Corner

Samurai Museum / Warlords Hall

The Samurai Museum (left photo) uses cutting-edge 4K video technology to recreate scenes from the era. The Warlords Hall (right photo) features aerial 3D footage of Osaka Castle.

Honmaru Stage

The Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary Tenkaichi Festival is an event planned to mark the 400th anniversary of the Siege of Osaka this year and next. The festival period is divided into two phases. "Summer Siege 2015" is scheduled for spring/summer 2015 (details to be announced once finalized).

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Related Article:
・Akiko Wada Appointed Special Support Captain for "Osaka Siege 400th Anniversary Tenkaichi Festival"; Promotes Event in Warrior Costume with Deputy Captain Ainosuke Kataoka[2014.08.08]

・Osaka Castle to Serve as Stage for "400th Anniversary of the Siege of Osaka: Tenka Ichi Festival" Time Slip to Sengoku Era; Event Outline Finalized [2014.06.12]