Battling butt boys — the Fighting Festival of Himeji Japan
“Battle” scene on Oct. 13, 2012
Portable shrines fiercely smash against one another in a 'Fighting Festival'
…held at the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in the town of Shirahama, Himeji City the Kenka Matsuri or 'Fighting Festival' entails mikoshi (portable shrines) (portable shrines) smashing against one another…There are no detailed rules or opponents…As soon as the portable shrines are set on the men's shoulders and everyone is ready, they are knocked against one another at random, and the moment a portable shrine is hoisted on top of another, the contest is over…This festival is the largest of the numerous fighting festivals held nationwide…
—Japan National Tourism Organization: Nada no Kenka Matsuri
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October 17th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Yep, I went there last Sunday, because it is pretty near to my home.
Majority of the guys out here walk around in these outfits, even in shops.
Train tickets are free on Oct 14 and 15 for those wearing those. Lots of women too, who seem to enjoy the sights.
Many companies and schools are closed in this area during this festival. It’s really a big event here.
The first time I attended this event, I was pretty impressed by the outburst in energy. Recommended!
So, Taro, where did you get those pics? Were you there?
October 17th, 2012 at 8:07 am
Nooooo, outside bad.
(The Japanese wire services are full of these photos from the weekend.)
October 17th, 2012 at 8:10 am
Tssss… Taro got a littul fixashiun on fundoshiz…