Penis Fete To Testing Out Coffins: 5 Intriguing Japanese Festivals

We have all admired Japan's cultural prowess-- whether it is in the delectable food, anime, or the delicate beauty of kimonos. However, Japanese culture extends far beyond that. Dig a little deeper and you'll unravel a treasure trove of unusual traditions, some of which the world might even find bizarre. From phallic shrines to experiencing coffins before death, Japanese people know their game when it comes to raising eyebrows (sometimes with a tinge of humour). Here are five intriguing festivals and traditions of Japan that you would not believe are real.

Kanamara Matsuri- The Steel Phallus Festival

The festival is all things penis. Yes, you heard that right. People take to streets with everything phallic-- shrines, snacks, and party favours. The festival was introduced in 1969 as an awareness drive against sexually transmitted diseases. Although Japanese people are not known for being publicly sex-positive, this festival brings out the bold and humourous side of almost everyone.

Shukatsu Festival – 'Try Before You Die' Funeral Festival

While death tends to be a sensitive and avoided topic to most of the world, the Japanese celebrate a 'funeral' festival where people get to test out coffins even if they are perfectly healthy and will not be dying soon. The idea is to get people to be comfortable with the ideas of death, loss and grief by being 'prepared' for the inevitable day.

Naki Sumo- Baby Crying Competition

At this festival, the babies who cry loudly are not met with hushes of eye rolls. In fact, they are cheered for louder. The Naki Sumo festival is about getting babies to cry the loudest and longest. Two sumo wrestlers hold up a baby and get them to compete in the crying contest. Sounds bizarre? This 400-year-old tradition is believed to keep babies in good health. 

Akutai Matsuri- Swear At The Priest Festival

At the Akutai Matsuri, 13 priests dress up as Tengus (mythical demons) as they travel up Mount Atago. Along the way, people get encouraged to shout curse words at these demons and try to steal their offerings for good luck. The lore from the Edo Period (1603-1868) says that this tradition was meant to ward off evil demons. Sounds like a great way to take the edge off.

'Farts Of Beautiful Women' Festival

Although not a traditional festival, these events have made big waves in Japan and worldwide. Organised on Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day), the festival is meant for people, mostly men, to experience the sounds and smells of attractive women letting one rip. No kink-shaming here. There are also various events like fart competitions and "fart rap battles" that these women partake in.