HomeLatestThe Sacred Sword of Fortune: Gifu's Longstanding Naked Festival

The Sacred Sword of Fortune: Gifu’s Longstanding Naked Festival

GIFU, Feb 05 (News On Japan) –
Aichi Prefecture’s Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa is legendary for its Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), which can be held on February tenth this yr. However, an analogous pageant has been held for over 70 years at Hoko-in Temple in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture.

This yr, the Hadaka Matsuri at Hoko-in, historically held throughout Setsubun, happened on February 2nd.

Amid energetic chants of “Yoisho! Yoisho!” contributors vigorously pounded rice truffles, getting ready a large kagamimochi to be devoted at Konomiya Shrine forward of its pageant in Inazawa on February tenth. This yr’s Shin-otoko (New Man), Ta Kato, additionally participated, fervently waving a wood workers whereas praying for prosperity and security.

The spotlight of the pageant is an intense battle as males in loincloths rush towards the Shin-otoko, in search of to rid themselves of dangerous luck. Similar to Konomiya Shrine’s well-known pageant, Ogaki City’s Hadaka Matsuri follows a practice that has continued for many years.

The pageant, held at Hoko-in Temple, is devoted to Saimoku Fudō-son, a deity believed to convey enterprise prosperity and family security. Around 100 practically bare males enter the chilly waters of the close by Segawa River to purify themselves. Participants come from throughout Japan, together with Osaka and Gero, with some even becoming a member of spontaneously on the day of the occasion.

One of the pageant’s key roles is the Shin-otoko, who’s doused in sacred water and is believed to soak up misfortune from the opposite contributors. This yr, that honor was bestowed upon Kota Ikeda from Ikeda Town. “This is a rare opportunity,” Ikeda stated. “I’ll do my best to take on this role.”

As the pageant reaches its climax, the Rikenbo, a sacred wood sword bearing the ability of Saimoku Fudō-son, is fiercely contested. The man who seizes it’s granted the title of Fuku-otoko (Fortunate Man), bringing him a yr of fine luck. This yr, the title was received by Ka Teramoto, a 60-year-old resident of Ogaki City.

“I’ve been participating for over 20 years, but this is my first time winning,” Teramoto stated. “It’s not just about me—I want to share happiness with everyone.”

With its deep-rooted traditions, Ogaki’s Hadaka Matsuri continues to be a cherished native occasion, guaranteeing that the spirit of the pageant is handed down for generations to come back.

Source: 東海テレビ NEWS ONE

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