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  7. Nada No Kenka The Fighting Festival In Japan

Nada no Kenka - The fighting festival in Japan

by Jose Manuel Zardain

Japan

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Members of one of Himeji's seven villages ready to carry their 'yatai' (portable shrine) to Matsubara Hachiman Shrine. This marks the beginning of the anual Nada no Kenka Matsuri, or fighting festival.
Members of one of Himeji's seven villages ready to carry their 'yatai' (portable shrine) to Matsubara Hachiman Shrine. This marks the beginning of the anual Nada no Kenka Matsuri, or fighting festival.
Arriving to Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, the participants try to climb the rope of the shrine to show strength and receive good luck for the dangerous battle they will fight later in the day.
Arriving to Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, the participants try to climb the rope of the shrine to show strength and receive good luck for the dangerous battle they will fight later in the day.
The 2 tons portable shrine carried to the square where the fights will take place. Although exhausting, all men feel privileged and honored to be part of the competition.
The 2 tons portable shrine carried to the square where the fights will take place. Although exhausting, all men feel privileged and honored to be part of the competition.
Inside each portable shrine there are 4 men playing 'taiko' (Japanese drum) at all times. Even when the float falls, they continue playing. The drummers must practice for years to get this important role in the festival.
Inside each portable shrine there are 4 men playing 'taiko' (Japanese drum) at all times. Even when the float falls, they continue playing. The drummers must practice for years to get this important role in the festival.
Two of the seven portable shrines fighting while thousands of people cheer and support their own village. There are no specific rules; any team can challenge any other.
Two of the seven portable shrines fighting while thousands of people cheer and support their own village. There are no specific rules; any team can challenge any other.

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