The scene remains the same since 1250 years ago. The whole scene has been the same since the Japan Naked Festival. Now, when you relate to this event, it is taking place in the middle of Japan! This year, there are changes. Something that nobody anticipates.
Women Participate in the Festival Not Just the Men
Apart from the group of men, there will be a new group of women. The women gathered together to recreate history. Getting a room in different places with male dominance is complex. However, it is not easy in Japan, ranked 125th in the World Economic Forum. It takes work.
However, people face different problems all the time. Atsuko’s entire family has been working hard at the festival for many generations.
However, there is a motive in participating in the festival. It is to eliminate evil spirits. Before praying to get good luck at the shrine, you must do something first. That thing is driving spirits away.
Based on Naruhito Tsunado, it is not a complete ban. It is just that nobody wanted to ask what the truth was. When people ask, the answer is simple.
“The most crucial thing thing is to have a good time. I feel God will be happy about it, too.”
Tsunoda tells Reuters. Only some of the people in the community will accept it.
“There are a lot of different concerns about this. What are women doing at a men’s festival? It is a men’s festival. Thus, it is serious.” Tamakoshi, a 56-year-old grandmother, states.
However, if everyone unites, it is what others wish to do. The women are not naked, and there are a lot of happi coats with purple robes. Opposed to men’s loincloths, they carry other bamboo offerings.
The women try to catch up with the men. Both men and women also fight with one another to be the first. The competition is to grab a male deity stone. By touching the stone, the evil spirits will go away. However, it is still a precious, glorious winning moment.
Women Break Down Gender Barriers In This Festival Event
These women are breaking down the gender barriers with their participation. They are trying to revive their old tradition. During this week, there is another Japan Naked Festival at Kokuseki Temple. However, they state that this is the last festival held. There needs to be more young people to make sure the festival goes appropriately.
Japan has a population that is aging fast. Last year, more than ten people are 80 years old or more. The birth rate, however, is 1.3 for each woman. Only 800000 babies are born every year.
They are in two parallel lines and bring long bamboo sticks in red and white ribbons.
Atsuko Tamakoshi is yet another woman who went to the festival for the very first time. They need to get this right, and they are under the eyes of the media. It makes everyone excited, and they are enjoying themselves.
One of the women states that they are happy. Her name is Mineko Akahori. She then tells BBC that she is so grateful that she can participate for the very first time. Her friend and Minako say that what they are doing is excellent. Some times are changing. Her own family runs a local hotel. Their business hosted a lot of male festivals for decades.
Atsuko Tamakoshi played a significant role that very day. It took some time to reflect; now, she has taken part and feels grateful. News Source – BBC
