Japan allows women to participate in ‘naked festival’

The hadaka matsuri, or “naked festival,” held annually in Inazawa, Japan, will see a historic change this year as women have been permitted to participate for the first time in its 1,250-year history.

Traditionally, the festival involved thousands of men clad in minimal clothing to drive away evil spirits. However, organizers are allowing around 40 women to join on February 22, albeit fully clothed. These women will make ritual offerings of bamboo grass but will not partake in the climax where men, wearing only loincloths, engage in a ritual to transfer bad luck to a chosen man.

The decision to include women in the hadaka matsuri is seen as a notable step forward for gender equality in Japan. The move comes amid increasing pressure on festival organizers to open up traditional events to wider participation due to concerns about rural depopulation and the aging demographic of local participants.

This follows a recent change in the Katsube fire festival in Shiga prefecture, which allowed women to participate for the first time in its 800-year history. However, there are instances where traditional practices remain off-limits to women in Japan, such as the dohyo ring used in sumo wrestling. While women compete in amateur sumo, they are prohibited from fighting professionally and are not allowed to step onto the dohyo during the country’s main sumo tournaments.

The move to include women in traditional events reflects ongoing discussions about gender equality and inclusivity in various aspects of Japanese society, challenging longstanding practices and norms.

The inclusion of women in the hadaka matsuri and other traditional events in Japan represents a gradual but noteworthy shift towards greater gender equality. While some festivals are adapting to accommodate wider participation, other aspects of traditional life, such as sumo wrestling, continue to uphold gender restrictions.

In the case of sumo, the prohibition on women entering the dohyo, or sumo ring, during professional tournaments has been a longstanding tradition. Despite occasional incidents challenging this rule, including the 2018 episode where women rushed into the ring to administer first aid, the sport’s authorities have maintained their stance.

The evolving dynamics around traditional events raise broader questions about societal norms and the role of women in various cultural practices. The push for greater inclusivity is met with resistance in some instances, with concerns raised about maintaining the authenticity of rituals handed down through generations.

Japan’s changing demographics, marked by rural depopulation and an aging population, are contributing to the reevaluation of traditional practices. The participation of women in events like the hadaka matsuri signals a recognition of the need to adapt to these demographic shifts and encourage broader engagement.

While the inclusion of women in certain festivals is seen as progress, challenges persist in breaking down gender barriers in other aspects of Japanese society. Ongoing discussions and advocacy for gender equality will likely continue shaping perceptions and practices, challenging entrenched norms and promoting more inclusive and diverse cultural expressions. The balance between preserving tradition and fostering inclusivity remains a complex and evolving aspect of Japan’s cultural landscape.