Comments on: Hounen Matsuri et cetera

Hounen Matsuri et cetera

hama7 — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 05:56:08 -0800

Hounen Matsuri is Japanese and means Festival for a prosperous year.
There are many festivals in Japan. But this one is quite different. Not many Japanese know about this Matsuri, and they are very surprized [QuickTime video] when they hear about it for the first time. Well, what is it?

By: wobh

wobh — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 11:00:16 -0800

Warning: contains giant horse radish.

By: homunculus

homunculus — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 11:04:41 -0800

Another great post, hama7. Thanks!

By: hama7

hama7 — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 16:57:57 -0800

There are actually two festivals here. One is in Shizuoka, southeast of Nagoya, and the other (the last three links) is in the Tokyo area.

By: wendell

wendell — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 18:18:51 -0800

Giant horse radish? Wasabi or Arby's Horsey Sauce?

By: SweetIceT

SweetIceT — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 18:39:41 -0800

I just sent email to my brother's GF (who is Japanese) informing her that I have made my decision about when I want to visit Japan. I want to see the Penis Festival!

By: 111

111 — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 19:08:21 -0800

I'm appalled no one asked whether this festival vibrates or not! Surreal pics, btw. Is there a festival for, you know, the female equivalent?

By: Dantien

Dantien — Sun, 23 Feb 2003 11:49:49 -0800

Living in Northern Japan, we too had a Hounen Matsuri featuring everyone's favorite body part. A particular hill by the train station was used as a racetrack. Teams of 8 men would race up the hill carrying a platform with a large penis on it. Half way up, the team would stop, put down the platform, take up a set of rings, and try to toss one onto the erect wooden penis off to the side. Once complete, the team picked up the platform and ran to the finish line...uphill. I had the distinct honor of participating 2 years in a row. Everyone laughs at it, everyone is slightly embarrassed by it, and yet EVERYONE turns out in droves to participate and enjoy it. Usually very very drunk. Anyway, it's a good time and one of the better festivals in Iwate-ken.

By: Alison

Alison — Sun, 23 Feb 2003 14:42:08 -0800

At Takagata Shrine there is a female equivalent, but it doesn't involve carrying around giant vaginas. It is a parade of girls dressed as brides. Unfortunately it's not as exciting as the "penis festival." Another great festival in the Nagoya area is the "Naked Festival" (Hadaka Matsuri). Hundreds of half-naked, drunk men stand in a small area outside of a shrine after walking from their village carrying a donation of bamboo. The idea is the touch a completely naked man called "the man of God."

By: Joey Michaels

Joey Michaels — Mon, 24 Feb 2003 10:44:16 -0800

Loved both these links. This (and the Bunraku FPP) inspired me to look at your list of posted links, hama7, and, I've got to say, you are now my Metafilter idol. :D

By: hama7

hama7 — Mon, 24 Feb 2003 22:19:14 -0800

Gosh, thanks! Pleased that you noticed, J.M. You're too kind!

By: hama7

hama7 — Mon, 24 Feb 2003 22:31:44 -0800

You have a mighty collection of great posts yourself, by the way.