Urasa Bishamondō Naked Man Festival

The Urasa Bishamondō Naked Man Festival is held annually at Fukuji Temple in Urasa, Niigata Prefecture. Taking place in midwinter, the festival is often set against heavy snowfall, sometimes exceeding two meters, providing a distinctive backdrop for the event’s traditional activities.

The festival's origins can be traced back approximately 1,200 years to when military commander Sakanoue no Tamuramaro established a temple for the worship of Bishamonten. Bishamonten, one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism, is celebrated as a protector and bringer of fortune. The local people would sing and dance at feasts to uplift spirits, a tradition believed to be the foundation of this festival. Over the years, the number of pilgrims has steadily increased, attributed to Bishamonten's perceived miraculous powers and protective grace.

The festival's most striking feature involves a throng of men, bare-chested despite the freezing conditions, who engage in a spirited competition. Chanting "San-yo, san-yo" in a powerful chorus, they push and jostle each other in an effort to be the first to ascend to the temple's upper chamber. There, they offer prayers to Bishamonten, seeking blessings for strength, prosperity, and good fortune.

An additional, visually stunning aspect of the festival is the procession of a massive 30kg lit candle carried through the streets by the participants. This striking element has earned the event the nickname "Large Candle Festival”. The sight of the towering candle, aglow against the night sky and surrounded by a sea of determined, chanting men, creates a mesmerising spectacle that embodies the spirit of perseverance, unity, and faith.