Women officially joined a so-called Naked Festival at a shrine in central Japan for the first time in the event's 1,250 year history, donning purple robes and chanting excitedly as they bore a large bamboo trunk as an offering.
Seven groups of women took part in the ritual on February 22 in the city of Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, which is said to drive away evil spirits and where participants pray for happiness. Despite its name, those taking part are not naked.
Many women wore “Happi Coats” (robes that reach to the hips) and shorts that are typically worn at Japanese festivals, though men wore loincloths similar to those worn by sumo wrestlers.
Women take part in Japan's 1,250-year-old 'naked festival' for first time
There has never been an official ban on women joining the ritual to pray for happiness and drive away evil spirits, and yet they never have — until now
Image: Reuters / Chris Gallagher
Women officially joined a so-called Naked Festival at a shrine in central Japan for the first time in the event's 1,250 year history, donning purple robes and chanting excitedly as they bore a large bamboo trunk as an offering.
Seven groups of women took part in the ritual on February 22 in the city of Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, which is said to drive away evil spirits and where participants pray for happiness. Despite its name, those taking part are not naked.
Many women wore “Happi Coats” (robes that reach to the hips) and shorts that are typically worn at Japanese festivals, though men wore loincloths similar to those worn by sumo wrestlers.
Image: Reuters / Chris Gallagher
Image: Reuters / Chris Gallagher
“I heard women could participate so I wanted to take part to help bring excitement to this town and festival,” said 59-year-old civil servant Emi Tachibana, one of the participants.
Naruhito Tsunoda, a priest at the shrine, said there had never been a ban on women participating and some had even made small offerings as individuals before. However, when a women's group inquired last year if they could join, saying “yes” was easy.
“I believe the most important thing is for there to be a fun festival for everyone. I think God would be happiest about that too,” he said.
Image: Reuters / Chris Gallagher
The women did not join the festival's main event where a large group of men push together to drive away evil spirits. Tsunoda said it would be difficult to open up that part of the festival to women due to the physical aspect.
Japan's government last year said it would strive to improve women's participation in society after a report showed the country was struggling to narrow the gender gap. The World Economic Forum report measuring gender parity ranked Japan 125th of 146 countries in 2023, down from 116th in 2022.
Reuters
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Why Brazil should be SA nature lovers’ new go-to destination
Romantic French cities to explore with loved ones
Fairy tales can come true ... just check in at the magical Knysna castles
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos