Bare Festival in Okayama Leaves Multiple Injured, Raising Concerns for Tradition’s Future
Okayama, Japan – A centuries-old Japanese festival known as the Hadaka Matsuri, or “naked festival,” in Okayama Prefecture resulted in multiple injuries on Thursday night, February 21st, 2026, prompting questions about the safety of the event and its future. The festival, officially named the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri, saw six participants hospitalized, with three initially reported in critical condition with unconsciousness, according to reports from RSK Yamanashi Broadcasting and the Sankei Shimbun. The incident has cast a shadow over the annual tradition, which draws thousands of participants and spectators.
The Hadaka Matsuri, a designated Crucial Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, involves men clad in loincloths (fundoshi) vying to grab sacred wooden sticks, known as shingi, thrown into the crowd by priests. The intense competition often leads to physical clashes and injuries. This year’s event, the 517th iteration of the festival, unfolded at the Saidai-ji Temple in Okayama City’s Higashiku district. The festival is rooted in a desire for a bountiful harvest and good fortune, and is held as the concluding rite of a purification ceremony.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
According to the Okayama Prefectural Police, six men were transported to hospitals in Okayama City following the festival. Three of the injured, aged 42, 47, and 58, were initially unconscious and in critical condition, as reported by the Nikkei. The remaining three sustained injuries but were able to communicate with medical personnel. Authorities believe the injuries were sustained during the scramble for the shingi. The Sankei Shimbun reported that three men were transported to hospital with injuries sustained during the festival.
The chaotic scene unfolded shortly after 10:00 PM local time when the shingi were thrown from the second-floor “Gofukucho” window of the main hall. Participants, emitting visible steam in the cold night air, engaged in a fierce struggle to secure the wooden sticks. Witnesses described a scene of intense pushing and shoving, with cries of “wasshoi, wasshoi” echoing through the temple grounds. Approximately 10,000 people were estimated to have participated in the event, according to the Nikkei.
岡山「裸祭り」で3人搬送、まわし姿で宝木奪い合い 今年で517回目の奇祭https://t.co/qJq9q9q999
— 産経ニュースWEST (@sankei_west) February 22, 2026
A Tradition Under Scrutiny
This year’s injuries are not the first to mar the festival’s history. In 2007, a participant died after being trampled during the event, leading to increased safety measures in subsequent years. The recent incident has reignited the debate surrounding the festival’s inherent risks and the need for further safety precautions. The festival’s organizing committee, the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri Supporters Association, has expressed its condolences to those injured and pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those who were injured,” said Ōmori Miyoshi, chairman of the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri Supporters Association, as quoted by the Nikkei. “We are working with police and fire officials to investigate the cause of the accident and the details of what happened. We will as well consider the future of the festival.”
The shingi themselves are relatively small, measuring approximately 4 centimeters in diameter and 20 centimeters in length. Historically, the temple distributed protective charms, but these were prone to tearing, leading to the adoption of the more durable wooden sticks. The festival’s name, “Eyo,” is derived from the idea that the event signifies a good omen for the arrival of spring after a harsh winter.
Local Reactions and Concerns
The incident has prompted a mixed reaction from local residents and festival participants. Some expressed shock and concern for the injured, while others voiced anxieties about the future of the beloved tradition. The Sankei Shimbun reported that both participants and local residents expressed complex feelings about the event following the injuries.
The Hadaka Matsuri is a significant cultural event for Okayama Prefecture, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Its designation as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property underscores its cultural value and historical significance. However, the recent injuries raise questions about whether the risks associated with the festival outweigh its cultural benefits. The festival’s organizers face the challenging task of balancing the preservation of tradition with the safety and well-being of participants.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the injuries, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri Supporters Association has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation and to consider implementing additional safety measures for future events. The future of the Hadaka Matsuri remains uncertain, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with this centuries-old tradition.
The next update from the Okayama Prefectural Police regarding the investigation is expected within one week, according to a statement released on February 22nd, 2026. World Today Journal will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they grow available. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on the festival and its future in the comments section below.