Kanamara Matsuri "Festival of the Steel Phallus"
かなまら祭
An annual Shinto festival at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki featuring distinctive phallic imagery in decorations and parades while raising funds for HIV research.
The Kanamara Matsuri, often referred to as the "Festival of the Steel Phallus", is an annual Shinto event held at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan.
Historically, the Kanayama Shrine has been associated with prayers for fertility, protection against sexually transmitted infections, and blessings for prosperous marriages and smooth childbirths. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it was frequented by sex workers seeking divine protection.
The festival is renowned for its vibrant and unconventional celebrations, where phallic imagery is prominently featured in decorations, candy, and even a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade. Three primary mikoshi are paraded:
Kanamara Mikoshi: Houses a wooden phallus and is the oldest of the three.
Kanayama Boat Mikoshi: Features a black iron phallus and has a boat-shaped base.
Elizabeth Mikoshi: Showcases a large pink phallus and was donated by the cross-dressing club "Elizabeth Kaikan".
Beyond its festive atmosphere, the Kanamara Matsuri serves a philanthropic purpose by raising funds for HIV research and promoting awareness about sexual health.
The event attracts a diverse crowd, including international tourists, who are drawn to its unique cultural significance and lively celebrations.
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