The History and Origins of the Festival
The origins of Saidaiji Eyo lie in the Shusho-e ceremony, which was introduced to Saidaiji Temple by its founder, Anryu. The ceremony is traditionally attributed to Jitchu, a distinguished disciple of the Buddhist priest Roben of Todaiji Temple in Nara.
In 1510, on the final day of the ceremony, a monk named Chua distributed protective talismans to worshippers. So many people eagerly sought the talismans that he began throwing them over the crowd. The worshippers struggled to catch them, and some removed their clothing to move more freely through the crush. This incident is regarded as the beginning of the tradition that eventually developed into the modern Naked Festival.
Over the centuries, the ritual evolved into a dramatic contest centered on the sacred shingi. The festival has continued for more than five centuries, preserving its religious significance while becoming a major public event that attracts visitors from across Japan and beyond.
Religious Rituals and Preparations
Preparations for Saidaiji Eyo begin approximately three weeks before the main festival. Several ceremonies are held in sequence to prepare the sacred objects and ensure that the religious observances are completed.
Obtaining and Carving the Sacred Sticks
One of the first rituals is Shingi-tori, during which the materials used to make the sacred sticks are collected from Nyohoji Muryoju-in in Hirotani, Higashi Ward, Okayama City. The following day, the materials are carefully carved during the Shingi-kezuri ceremony to create the finished shingi.
For the following 14 days, Buddhist prayers are conducted as part of the Shuni-e observances. These rituals continue until the festival night, when the prayers reach their culmination with the release of the sacred sticks.
The Night of the Naked Festival
The Procession and Gathering
On the evening of the festival, thousands of men dressed only in traditional loincloths gather at Saidaiji Temple. Amid chants of “Wasshoi, Wasshoi,” they pay their respects to the guardian deity enshrined at Gyusho-sho Daigongen before making their way toward the main hall.
The atmosphere grows increasingly intense as the crowd gathers inside the temple grounds. Participants wait for the conclusion of the 14 days of prayers, anticipating the moment when the sacred shingi will be thrown into the crowd.
The Battle for the Shingi
Late at night, two sacred wooden sticks, perfumed with incense, are thrown from the Ofuku window of the main hall. Approximately 10,000 men compete in the struggle to obtain one of these coveted objects. The sight of the tightly packed crowd surging forward, accompanied by thunderous chants of “Wasshoi, Wasshoi,” creates an unforgettable spectacle.
The contest is the dramatic climax of the festival, drawing the attention of the approximately 30,000 worshippers and spectators who fill the temple grounds. The energy, determination, and collective excitement of the participants make Saidaiji Eyo one of Japan’s most remarkable traditional festivals.
The Lucky Men and the Sacred Shingi
Obtaining a sacred stick is only part of the challenge. To be recognized as one of the festival’s lucky men, known as fukuotoko, a participant must successfully carry the shingi outside the Nio Gate.
The sacred stick is then taken to a specially established temporary holding area inside the Saidaiji branch of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There, it undergoes an official examination before the winner is formally recognized as a fukuotoko.
The successful participant traditionally keeps the sacred shingi enshrined for approximately one year as a symbol of good fortune. Being selected as a fukuotoko is considered a great honor and is believed to bring blessings for the coming year.
Participation Rules and Festival Schedule
The main festival is open to men of junior-high-school age and older, provided they have no tattoos and have not consumed alcohol. Anyone wishing to participate must register in advance with Saidaiji Kannon-in and the Saidaiji Eyo Supporters’ Association.
Participants are required to purchase and wear the traditional loincloth. Glasses, jewelry, and other personal accessories must be removed before entering the crowded event area.
In the past, the sacred sticks were released at midnight. Since 2010, the release has taken place at 10:00 p.m., allowing the festival’s main event to begin earlier in the evening.
A Children’s Naked Festival is also held, providing an opportunity for children of elementary-school age and younger to take part in a separate event. This tradition helps pass the festival’s cultural heritage on to the next generation.
Women’s Contributions and the Eyo Taiko Drums
Although Saidaiji Eyo is often described as a men’s festival, women play important roles in its ceremonies and celebrations.
At around 7:00 p.m., women dressed in white ceremonial garments perform misogi, a purification ritual involving immersion in cold water at the Kori-tori purification area within the temple grounds. Through this ritual, they pray for the fulfillment of important wishes.
Women also perform all the Eyo Taiko drumming that announces the start of the festival. Their powerful rhythms encourage the participants and help build the excitement as the evening’s events unfold. The drumming is an essential part of the festival’s atmosphere and highlights the contribution of women to this long-standing tradition.
Food Stalls, Performances, and Fireworks
The festival offers more than the dramatic contest for the sacred shingi. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy performances and activities that bring the temple grounds to life.
The program includes the Children’s Naked Festival, Eyo Taiko drumming, and ceremonial performances dedicated to the temple. Fireworks are also scheduled for around 7:00 p.m., adding to the festive atmosphere. Numerous food stalls line the grounds, offering visitors the chance to enjoy local festival treats while experiencing the excitement of the celebrations.
A Living Tradition of Japanese Culture
With more than 500 years of history, the Saidaiji Eyo Festival is a remarkable example of Japan’s living cultural heritage. Its distinctive rituals, fierce competition for the sacred shingi, and powerful sense of shared excitement have made it one of Okayama Prefecture’s best-known annual events.
The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to witness a centuries-old religious tradition that continues to bring together worshippers, local residents, and travelers in an extraordinary celebration of faith, courage, and good fortune.
Held on the third Saturday of February each year, Saidaiji Eyo is a memorable event for anyone interested in Japanese festivals and traditional culture. Visitors should be prepared for large crowds and follow the organizers’ instructions, particularly around the main hall and the shingi contest.