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Oddity of the Week: Japan

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This week a small selection of oddities from the people of Japan.
Hadaka Matsuri is a bizarre festival involving thousands of Japanese men removing their clothes in public due to the ancient belief that a naked man has a greater ability to absorb evil spirits. Only the most intimate parts of the body are covered, using a ‘fundoshi’.


KFC on Christmas Eve. Japan’s culinary identity is that of as a health-conscious, sushi-loving nation, but the bread-crumbed chicken has long been a favourite in the country at this time of year. Although Japan doesn’t traditionally celebrate Christmas, KFC outlets became popular among foreigners as they couldn’t find a whole chicken or turkey elsewhere during the festive season. The fast-food chain followed up this trend with a highly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. Now, it suggests customers in the country should place orders up to two months in advance to meet demand.
Toilet slippers. To minimise contact between the unclean toilet floor and the clean floor associated with the rest of the house, Japanese individuals may wear plastic ‘toilet slippers’. These will be located at the toilet door and must be removed on exiting the area.
You can find these and more at www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/10275737/Weird-things-about-Japan.html.

5 thoughts on “Oddity of the Week: Japan”

  1. We lived in Japan in the early 90s. I’m pretty sure the Hadaka Matsuri is a harvest festival for abundance and fertility, and that the reason they wear so little is in order to be more thoroughly washed by the water, in the purification ritual which is a part of it.
    Toilet slippers make SO much sense, if one thinks about it.
    We always found the Colonel quite amusing, standing on the corner in our quiet Minoh neighborhood. 🙂

    1. Thanks for the comment Amanda! I’m not an expert of Japanese culture, so would bow to your superior knowledge. Certainly yes, I have seen Hadaka Matsuri referred to as a harvest festival. I can see the logic of toilet slippers but it just seems one step beyond necessity to me. And as for KFC, well just say “no”! But I have no illusions that the Japanese don’t find our culture equally amusing. 🙂

  2. Amanda has a little boy. I understand the allure of toilet slippers.

    1. Ah, right. That explains everything. The male of the species (of any age) is not always civilised. 🙂

      1. Ha! Well-stated, Keith. In fact, I wasn’t even thinking about our son (wild child that he may be). 🙂

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