There are many unique festivals around the world and among them is the Kanama Matsuri of Japan. Anyone who are not familiar with this festival will have complex feelings as they gaze upon the mighty and domineering “steel phallus” that stand before them.

You will perhaps laugh out loud, smile from ear to ear, shake your head, stare profoundly, cover your mouth, grin like a donkey and think about running away. Perhaps you might even do all of those reactions in succession. Yes, this impressive festival will certainly give you a great first impression. Whether that is a good thing or not...will depend entirely on your current state of mind.






So how did this festival started? The festival was officially held in 1969 and the story behind it was quite interesting as well. As the legend goes, there was a sharp toothed demon that fell in love with a young woman. However, the woman married someone else and the demon got angry. The demon decided to get in the way and inhibited the young woman's vag**a. (excuse my French).

So on the night of their honeymoon, when they were about to consummate their marriage the demon bit off the groom's manhood (ouch!) as he entered her. Their relationship ended up in a tragedy and the woman re-married once again. And on the night of their honeymoon… yes, the demon once again bit it off leaving the woman in despair.

The villagers and the woman decided to seek the help of a blacksmith and thus the steel phallus was born! The woman once again re-married and on the night of their honeymoon… the demon finally met its match. As he bit down on the domineering steel phallus, his precious teeth was broken. Afterwards, the demon learned his lesson and left the woman's *ehem* for good and the bride and groom lived happily ever after.

That particular story was commemorated and the steel phallus was enshrined. So every spring, on the first Sunday of April, this festival is held at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki Japan. Believe it or not, people pray on the “almighty” steel phallus for a healthy child, fertility, longer marriage and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.





Of course, there are also limited Penis shaped food and souvenirs for you to collect and enjoy… I mean eat . Make no mistake, many women also participate in Kanama Matsuri . Although there would be some extremely awkward moments, they understand that this is part of the “festive atmosphere” and there's nothing wrong with it.

If you plan to take part in this unique festival you must be more open minded. You should also try to control your facial features if possible (like your smile, your grin and your dazzling smile!). You'll probably find similar people like you and some of them wouldn't be able to contain their laughter. However, keep in mind that as long as you have fun and enjoy the festival to the fullest, your trip to Kawasaki will be worth your while!





Well then, join me next time as we embark on a journey to find the most interesting things that is uniquely Japan! じゃまたね！