1000-year-old naked man festival held for last time in Japan's Iwate prefecture

Shrine in Japan allows women to participate in 'naked man' festival after 1,250 years

The final occurrence of Japan's long-standing and unconventional Somin-sai festival, dating back 1,000 years and featuring near-naked men vying for the hemp bag of charms, took place on February 17. Each year, thousands of men clad in loincloths braved wintry weather conditions of Tohoku to participate in the renowned event.

Kokuseki-ji Temple announced the decision to discontinue the festival due to aging participants and a shortage of successors as being major challenges in carrying on with the tradition.

Participants, dressed solely in "fundoshi" loincloths, commenced the festival by carrying square lanterns and purifying themselves in the Yamauchigawa river before circling the temple's Yakushido hall to pray for blessings. Subsequently, they engaged in a spirited scramble over a hemp sack, believed to safeguard against disaster for whoever claims a talisman. In 2008, the festival garnered attention when the Oshu city government's attempt to promote it through tourism posters faced rejection by East Japan Railway Co, citing potential discomfort from near-nudity in the posters.

Also read: 8 best Asian countries that Indians must visit with their families

The historic Somin-sai festival, concluded for the final time at a Buddhist temple in Iwate Prefecture, marking the end of an era. Kokuseki-ji Temple in Oshu city bid farewell to Somin-sai due to a dwindling number of participants.