Kokuseki Temple News Today

OSHU (Japan) — A steam of sweat rose as hundreds of naked men tussled over a bag of wooden talismans, performing a dramatic end to a thousand-year-old ritual in Japan that took place for the last time.

Women take part despite some in the community suggesting it should remain a men-only event.

Hadaka Matsuri has been called the oddest festival on earth, at over 1250 years the “naked man” festival is also one of the oldest too. However faced with an...

Organising the event, which draws hundreds of participants and thousands of tourists every year, has become a heavy burden for the ageing local faithful, who find it

Tim Tim Sharma and Adarsh MS emerged as champions in the men and women categories of the IDFC First Bank Mangaluru Triathlon. The event was organized by the Tapasya Foundation with the support of the Lions Club International Foundation. Participants from across the country, including the Armed Forces, took part in the events.

After over a thousand years of tradition, the iconic "Naked Men" festival in Japan's Iwate prefecture has come to an end mainly due to an aging population and dwindling participation. End of tradition: The final iteration of the festival, known locally as Sominsai, was held on Feb. 17 at Kokuseki Temple in Oshu, Iwate prefecture, reported ANN. This year’s event attracted approximately 9,000 attendees participating in different cultural rituals.

Kokuseki Temple to replace 1,000-year-old event with prayer ceremonies

Kokuseki Temple

A steam of sweat rose as hundreds of naked men tussled over a bag of wooden talismans, performing a dramatic end to a thousand-year-old ritual in Japan that took place for the last time.

AFP | Oshu...