Every year the traditional Japanese festival Kanamara Matsuri is held each first Sunday of April at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. The giant penis, central theme of the event, is carried around in the city during the procession to reflect the belief in protection and luck in business, sexual health, baby delivery and marital harmony. The festival is a interesting example of Shinto religious tradition, and it originated in old times when prostitutes prayed in shrine for protection from sexually transmitted infections. Nowadays it is one of the major tourist attraction in Japan, and it promotes sexual education and HIV/AIDS research. Typically the pink phallus mikoshi altar is carried by the transsexual individuals.

Read more at Steel Phallus Festival 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Dariusz Skowronski      Copyright © All Rights Reserved