During the festival's momiai ritual, men traditionally wear fundoshi loincloths, tabi socks, and hachimaki headbands. They jostle and push to transfer their bad luck to the "chosen man" (Shin Otoko) by touching him before he retreats to safety within the temple. Prior to entering the Konomiya Shrine, participants are purified with cold water splashed on them as part of a ritual.

However, in the festival's 1,200-year history, only men have taken part in this event. A significant shift occurred at the 2024 festival, marking a departure from its historical norms. On February 22nd, amidst the sea of chanting voices shouting "Washoi! Washoi!" (a traditional festival chant), a group of women stood out amid the crowd, as reported by the BBC. These women are making history by participating directly.

Previously, women had only been involved in support roles to assist the men participating in the event. According to some locals, the Japanese government had never explicitly banned women from directly participating in the Hadaka Matsuri; it simply had not been considered before.

Not everyone shares the same viewpoint. Many expressed concerns, questioning, "What are women doing in a men's festival?" However, they unanimously agreed to assert their desires and believe that if they act with sincerity, the heavens and earth will support them, as expressed by Atsuko Tamakoshi, a 56-year-old grandmother.

Unlike the men, women appearing in the festival do not wear traditional loincloths. Instead, they wear "happiness coats," long purple robes paired with white shorts and carry their own bamboo carrying poles.

As the time for the ceremony approaches, the women make their way to the temple. They line up in two rows, carrying long bamboo poles wrapped with red and white ribbons, chanting along with the familiar rhythm they've heard from the men for decades.

"Washoi Washoi," the women chant as they focus on their movements, executing the practiced routines they've honed over weeks. Aware of the global media and spectators watching, the women smile nervously. The crowd cheers and encourages them as they pass by.

"The times have finally changed," says Yumiko Fujie, one of the participating women. She feels a responsibility to uphold the tradition of women also being present at the Hadaka Matsuri every year, not just this one.

Like the men, the women enter the Konomiya Shrine and undergo the ritual of being splashed with cold water. However, their involvement is limited to one of the ceremony's rituals. This group of women does not participate in the competition to touch the Shin Otoko. After presenting their offering, they conclude the ceremony with a traditional bow and two claps, followed by a final bow.

As the group of women exits the shrine, many locals and tourists gather around, eager to take photos with them. Media from various countries also seek interviews. "I am very happy to be one of the first women to participate," says Mineko Akahori. Akahori's teammate, Minako Ando, adds, "Being the first to do something is truly amazing."

According to Internet