Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Japan is a country rich in culture and traditions, but some of them are at risk of disappearing due to the ageing and shrinking population. One of these is the Naked Man Festival, or Hadaka Matsuri, a centuries-old ritual that involves thousands of men stripping down to loincloths and competing for sacred sticks thrown by a priest.
A Test of Endurance and Faith
The Naked Man Festival is held every year on the third Saturday of February, in the town of Okayama, in western Japan. It is one of the most famous and extreme examples of Hadaka Matsuri, which are celebrated in various forms across the country. The origin of the festival is unclear, but some say it dates back to the 16th century, when a feudal lord rewarded the villagers who ran naked in the snow with clothes and food. Others say it is a purification ritual to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The festival attracts about 10,000 participants and 30,000 spectators every year. The men, who range from teenagers to seniors, gather at the Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple, where they undergo a purification ceremony. They then change into white loincloths, called fundoshi, and brave the cold weather to join the main event. At midnight, the lights are turned off and the priest throws two 20-centimeter-long wooden sticks, called shingi, into the crowd. The men scramble to catch the sticks, which are believed to bring a year of happiness and prosperity to the lucky ones. The competition is fierce and chaotic, as the men push, shove and wrestle each other in the dark. The festival is not for the faint-hearted, as injuries and bruises are common.
A Cultural Heritage Under Threat
The Naked Man Festival is not only a test of endurance and faith, but also a cultural heritage that connects the people to their history and identity. However, the festival is facing a serious challenge: the declining and ageing population of Japan. According to the latest census, Japan’s population has shrunk by 1.3 million since 2010, and more than 28% of the people are over 65 years old. The birth rate is also low, at 1.36 children per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1. The population decline has affected many aspects of the society and economy, such as the labour force, the health care system, the education system and the rural areas.
The Naked Man Festival is one of the victims of this demographic crisis. The number of participants has been decreasing over the years, as many young people have moved away from the town to seek better opportunities in the cities. The festival also struggles to attract new and younger participants, who may not be interested in or comfortable with the tradition. The organisers have tried to promote the festival as a fun and exciting event, and to recruit more foreigners and tourists to join. They have also introduced some changes, such as allowing women to participate in a separate event, and providing more safety measures and medical staff.
The Naked Man Festival is a unique and fascinating spectacle that showcases the spirit and culture of Japan. It is a tradition that deserves to be preserved and passed on to the future generations. It is also a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that Japan faces as a nation in the 21st century.
