Hadaka Matsuri Report

Friday`s naked festival was a lot of fun. Of course it was cold, but not too bad. When I met my team members at 7.30am it was snowing, but by the time we dressed - or rather, undressed - & started running at 10am, it had stopped & the sun was out.

As usual, we visited a local old people`s home & a couple of local kindergartens. The kids were really excited to see us. The old people were happy too, but one old lady kept trying to grab the carton of sake that I was holding & the staff had to hold her back. It was a little embarrassing, but I could imagine how how she felt.

Finally we arrived at Kounomiya Shrine at about 4pm. After that my group went to a public bath. We didn`t wait at the shrine for the climax, when the `shin-otoko` arrives & everyone tries to touch him. That was about 6pm this year - a little late. Maybe next year!