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Word: kounomiya (lookup in dictionary) (lookup stats)
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...festivals are based on traditional Shinto purification rituals. In Inazawa, where this year's event will be held on March 2, one self-confident fellow is chosen to be the official streaker. He's shaved and then marched through the Kounomiya Shrine, where a throng of around 9,000 men wearing only loincloths attempt to lay their hands on him as thousands of spectators watch. The naked man is supposed to collect the bad luck and impurities of all who touch him. The crowd can get overly enthusiastic (sake is involved), so the man is protected by guards...

Author: /time Magazine | Title: Streak of Luck | 2/1/2007 | See Source »

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