Mitsuke Tenjin Naked Festival (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property)

About this event

The Mitsuke Tenjin Naked Festival is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a renowned eccentric festival held in the Mitsuke district of Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding August 10th of the lunar calendar. Participants wear straw loincloths (koshimino) made of fresh straw over their naked bodies and jostle and press against one another as they parade through the streets. At the climax, the Oni Odori (Demon Dance) is performed inside the Haiden (Worship Hall) of Yanahime Shrine (Mitsuke Tenjin), showcasing their valiant figures. The festival spans several days: on the 3rd day of the 8th lunar month, the festival rituals begin with 'Saiji Hajime' at Motomiya Tenjin Shrine, followed by 'Mikoshiba Oroshi' to purify the streets within the district. Sacred rituals such as 'Matsubara no Shinji', 'Kaihin Shubatsu', and 'Hamagori' are performed on Fukuda Beach, enhancing the sacredness of the festival. On the 8th day of the 8th lunar month, a ritual takes place using seawater and beach sand brought back from Hamagori to purify the shrine pavilions, precincts, and parishioners. On the main day of the festival, the 9th day of the 8th lunar month, the Grand Festival is conducted; following the dedication of the 'Urayasu no Mai' dance, the purification of the palanquin bearers, the departure of the children's group, and the start of the evening festival proceed, followed by the Goshinrei Sengo-sai (divine spirit transfer ritual). Late into the night, each group arrives at the shrine, and the festival reaches its peak. On the following day, the 10th day of the 8th lunar month, the sacred palanquin (mikoshi) sets out, and after arriving at the Sosha, the naked parade of each neighborhood returns to its respective meeting place. In the afternoon, the Honden-sai and Mikoshi-mae-sai are held at Oumikunitama Shrine (Sosha), and toward evening, after the Goshinrei Kango Yoko and Kango Hokoku-sai rituals, the divine spirit returns to Yanahime Shrine (Mitsuke Tenjin), concluding the festival with the Honden-sai. Reflecting deep local tradition and faith, this festival captivates many people as a powerful yet sacred event.

Venue

Mitsuke Tenjin Yanahime Shrine

1114-2 Mitsuke, Iwata, Shizuoka 438-0086