The Kamakura Period ended with Emperor Go-Daigo’s failed attempt to topple the Kamakura Shogunate, and his subsequent exile to the Oki Islands. His greatest supporter amidst that turmoil was his military commander, Kusunoki Masashige. Upon the emperor’s escape from Oki, Kusunoki was there to greet him and march together back to Kyoto once more. This procession captures that scene.

Many say that, of all the historical figures in the Jidai Festival, none are as noteworthy as Kusunoki Masashige, with his lavish helm and suit of armor. Be sure to also look at the banner he carries. His achievements resulted in the emperor allowing him to bear the Imperial chrysanthemum crest, but while that in itself is awe-inspiring, it is also said that he arranged the chrysanthemum atop gentle waves of water, creating a beautiful family crest for his standard.

Emperor Go-Daigo would later join forces with Ashikaga Takauji and successfully defeat the Kamakura Shogunate. However, he and Takauji would eventually fight against each other. The emperor lost, and after escaping to Yoshino in Nara he established the “Nanchō,” heralding the start of the Nanbokuchō Period, or the “Southern and Northern Courts Period.” From Go-Daigo’s perspective, however, it was called the Yoshino Period. This era greatly influenced the Jidai Festival, which itself began during the Meiji Period, an era of strength for the Imperial system.