The Hadaka Matsuri happens on the third Saturday of February, so it happened this weekend just gone. The crowd wait for the sticks to be thrown out then the lights are turned off and all that’s left is the sound of flesh flapping on flesh and cries of ‘Wasshoi! Wasshoi!’ as the desperate men fight for their shot at a year of happiness.

Here they are ritually bathing before the main event:

There’s large stands constructed so that people can gather in droves and stare agog at the mayhem.

Everyone seems like they’re having a pretty ace time and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Just to reiterate the point I made at the top of this article, I think the world is a better place when we fully embrace the madness of it all. I’m going next year and I suggest you all join me.

☛ Watch Now: Japanese Binocular Football