These beautiful photos of Samurai horsemen will make you want to visit ancient Japan

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Samurai
(Image credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

These extraordinary horses might even give American Pharaoh something to be jealous of.

Every summer, the people of Fukushima prefecture honor their ancient Samurai and equine traditions during the Soma Nomaoi festival, which began over 1,000 years ago. The three-day festival reenacts Edo Period (roughly 1603-1869) battles — safely, of course! — without losing any of the vibrant, stampeding thrill of bygone days. Check it out. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange
Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.