The public monument of Hojo Soun in gear, greeting people in his armor and jinbaori

Translated from the original article at: http://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/871/

May 4th, 2012

Caption: The public monument of an armored Hojo Soun.

At the north entrance of Odawara Station, Hojo Soun's statue, covered in armor and a jinbaori greets passing tourists and citizens.

Hojo Soun was victorious in the battle with the Omori Clan during the 4th year of the Meio period. Afterwards, 5 generations of Hojo controlled the Kanhashuu (Translation note: Presently Kanto) region for roughly 100 years. While in the city, his image can be seen standing mightily, becoming a symbol of Odawara Station.

On May 3rd of each year, the Odawara Hojo Godai Festival takes place, featuring a battle commencement ceremony and parade of Hojo's warriors. During the festival, they march to the station and change the clothing on the armored monument. The clothing work is handled by Odawara city's "Handmade Armor Corps."

During the Golden Week period, all types of events are held in Odawara to attract many visitors. On Children's Day, kids can be seen on the back of the Hojo Soun Monument, having their pictures taken.

Original text:

北條早雲公像が甲冑姿に－兜と陣羽織で出迎え

（2012年05月04日)

甲冑姿になった北条早雲公像

小田原駅北口にある北條早雲公像が「兜」と「陣羽織」の甲冑姿で観光客や市民を出迎えている。

北条早雲は、明応4年に大森氏と戦いに勝利したあと、五代おおよそ100年にわたって関八州をおさめた。その姿は市内を見わたす姿で凛々しく立ち、小田原駅のシンボルとなっている。

毎年、5月3日に行われる「小田原北條五代祭り」で北條武者隊による出陣式やパレードが行われるのが恒例で、この時期に合わせて甲冑姿に装いを変えた。作業は小田原の「手作り甲冑隊」により行われた。

小田原ではゴールデンウイーク期間、各種の催しが開催され観光客が多く訪れる。こどもの日を迎えるにあたり、北條早雲公の甲冑姿をバックに写真を撮る姿が見られた。