Things have been a little hectic the last few weeks. Just got back from a weekend up on the mainland. Saturday night was the Hadaka Matsuri in Okayama. (You can read more about the city in The Best of Okayama. )
Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Man Festival is one of Japan’s most unusual festivals. It will culminate with a brawl between about 9000 almost naked men.
At the start of the evening, things are more subdued. Locals light candles and say their prayers as they await the chaos.
Naked Man Festival, Okayama (1) Candles
Inside Saidai-ji Temple the monks begin to chant. The smoke from incense burners hangs in the air.
Naked Man Festival, Okayama (2) Chants
A lone man stands at the temple. It’s close to freezing outside, but he doesn’t seem to notice. He won’t be alone for long…
Naked Man Festival, Okayama (3) And so it begins...
Naked Man Festival, Okayama (4) Cheeky
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 
Hi
Doing an assessment on this event – was wondering if you know the history behind it and when it first began. I cant seem to find any website that has published this information. Hope you can help 🙂 and the pictures a great… well maybe except the last one
I don’t have any extra information about the festival on hand. If I find anything out I’ll let you know.
Chris