Although day-to-day reminders of Japan's samurai past are uncommon, the importance of this legacy is still strongly felt and different regions have their own customs for remembering and celebrating their history. One way in which Yamanashi commemorates its roots is the annual Shingen-Ko Matsuri in which residents of the Prefecture and visitors congregate in the centre of Kofu to celebrate the Samurai leader, Takeda Shingen.
Takeda Shingen was born in 1521 and succeeded his father (by overthowing him) as Prince of the Kai-province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture). During his reign he reconstructed law and order, combined military and civil adminsitration and provided the people of his province with more security and wealth than other provinces in Japan. His strategic skills and tendency to fight decisive battles outside his territoy and win them also gave him high esteem.

The annual Shingen-Ko Matsuri is held on the first weekend in April. The festival runs for three days, with various food and game stalls, performances and processions, but the main event is the recreation by local people of the Takeda army leaving for the front. Wearing authentic costumes and lead by Takeda Shingen (played each year by a different celebrity) the warriors congregate at Takeda Shrine to pray for victory in the forthcoming battle. Following this they march down to the ruins of Maizuru castle for one of the main ceremonies of the festival, and then troop down the main street of Kofu, Heiwa-Dori, cheered on by a multitude of spectators. For the finale, the warriors assemble once more at the ground of Maizuru castle as each of the knights loyal to Shingen march their group of warriors, carrying their flag, into the arena. Finally, they are joined by the leader himself and his personal band of samurai.The Shingen-Ko Matsuri is the biggest festival in Yamanashi and a focal point for the yearly event calendar. It is also a way for local residents to remember their history and keep the memory of one of their greatest leaders alive.