The festival dates back to the 16th century. The festival's main tradition is to determine the year's luckiest man. This is done by tossing the shingi (宝木), a bundle of protective talismans, to an awaiting throng of men. The one who grabs hold of it and leaves the temple is said to achieve great luck. According to descriptions online, the traditions haven't changed much. Over a thousand people flock to this festival every year to try and risk their health, and sometimes lives, to grab at these lucky sticks. It's a sweaty, exciting, drunken, hazy, cold event that only a few can walk away from proudly. Fortunately, they allow foreigners to compete in it, as well.
The reason we call it Naked Man is because only men can participate, entering the grounds and huddling atop the pedestal into which the priests hurl the shingi. Men are clad in fundoshi, a single roll of white linen cloth that is used to wrap up ones dangly bits and protect us from being completely naked, and tabi, Japanese toed sandals. No drinking and no tattoos are allowed. Funnily, most men are drunk, and some can be seen wearing skin-toned tape (likely to conceal tattoos). Apparently, a group of women run through the temple grounds before the men do, playing the Japanese taiko and announcing that the event is to start.
Unfortunately, I didn't walk away with it this year, but one of the members of our group, the man who organized it from Okayama AJET, touched it. His hands smelled of victory and honor. What a glorious day! All I walked away with were bruises and stomped toes. At least I didn't lose anything.
For those inclined to know more about it, here's a song about it.
And some pictures:
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