The Naked Festival, a traditional ritual to ward off evil spirits, was held on the 22nd in Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture, and this year, for the first time, women participated.
The ``Kokufu Shrine Naked Festival'' is a traditional Shinto ritual that has been passed down for over 1,200 years at the Kokufu Shrine in Inazawa City, and it is said that by touching the ``Shinto'' who is not wearing any clothes, you can ward off evil spirits. .
This year, for the first time, women will participate in the ritual called ``Naoisasahodon'', which is held before the evening ``Momiai''. Women will participate in the ritual in the morning, men in the afternoon, and each group will participate in the ritual. was dedicated.
Then, around 4:30 p.m., when the main character of the festival, this year's Shinto priest, Dai*Kuwa Yuki, appeared on the approach to the shrine, men in lower belts flocked all at once to touch the priest.
After about 40 minutes of intense scuffles, the large*kwasan arrived at the temple and was pulled out, to loud applause and cheers from those around him.
A man in his 20s, who is participating for the sixth time, said, ``I'm glad that I was able to touch the divine man and get rid of bad luck this year.I think that the festival was more exciting than usual because women participated.'' I did.
Ayaka Suzuki, who attended the festival for the first time, said, ``It feels great to be able to dedicate it safely. "I'll do it," he said.
* "Kwa" means a tree in the grass crown.