After 1,250 years women join Japan’s (nearly) naked festival

For the first time in 1,250 years, women have been allowed to participate in Japan’s famous Hadaka Matsuri, or “naked festival”. The annual event, held in Okayama prefecture, sees thousands of men wearing only loincloths as they compete to catch lucky sticks thrown by priests.

But this year, a historic change was made as women were permitted to join in the festivities. While they were not required to strip down to their underwear like the male participants, they were able to take part in other aspects of the ritual, including carrying sacred torches and chanting prayers.

The decision to include women in the festival comes as part of a wider push for gender equality in Japan, where traditional gender roles have long dictated that certain activities be reserved for men only. Many see this as a positive step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the country’s cultural practices.

While the move has been met with some backlash from conservative voices, the majority of people have welcomed the change as a sign of progress. Female participants have expressed their joy at being able to take part in such a historic event, and many hope that this will pave the way for more opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Overall, the inclusion of women in Japan’s naked festival marks a significant moment in the country’s cultural history, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality around the world.