Six participants in Okayama Prefecture's naked festival were injured and hospitalized. Three of them were unconscious at the time. Local police are investigating the incident.
The annual Saidaiji Eyo Festival, known as Hadaka Matsuri or naked festival, took place at Saidaiji Kannonin temple in Okayama City on Saturday evening. Around 10,000 men, clad only in traditional fundoshi undergarments, compete fiercely inside the main hall to grab two Shingi, or God's sticks, believed to bring good luck to those who seize them.
At about 10 p.m., six participants were injured and transported to a hospital by ambulance. Three of the injured were unconscious upon arrival.
Okayama prefectural police are examining the details of the incident. The festival is designated as a Japanese Important Intangible Cultural Property.
While the event involves intense physical competition among half-naked participants, this level of injury appears unusual.