Kanamara Matsuri 2014 Photos

Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus

Tue April 08, 2014 | 00:00 AM


While some societies hide their fertile bits, Japan worships them. That doesn't just mean they build temples around them—they actually put the penis on parade. 

 

There is no stronger celebration of the Japanese joystick than Kawasaki’s Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Iron Phallus). Despite smirks and giggles from Westerners, this is no Fantasy Fest: it’s an ancient tradition that serves as a celebration of (and prayer for) fertility, long marriages, healthy births, and a way to promote awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, most importantly, HIV.

 

Photographer John Daub was in Kawasaki to capture the phallic fun fest this past weekend. See for yourself. We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried.