On a freezing February night, men bathe in icy water.

Around 2,000 of them!

This is one of Japan's largest "naked" festivals.

This temple will be hosting the traditional event for the 514th time.

Related activities continue for a month, from February to March.

They traditionally culminate in energetic scenes as men compete to grab sacred pieces of wood.

But the impact of the pandemic is still being felt.

The "naked" aspect is happening
for the first time in three years.

The climactic struggle is still on hold,
but otherwise, people can participate.

They can parade through the grounds
and get purified in the water.

They can pass the four pillars,
and pacify malicious spirits.

That's what the ceremony will be like.

A series of events takes place before Saidaiji Eyo.

First, a ceremony related to the sacred wooden items, which are called "shingi."

The shingi are fashioned from local wood.

The saws and other tools used to make them are prepared.

Next, sutras are chanted as a prayer for safety during the event.

The shingi are presented to sponsors.

Each year, two companies are selected for this great honor.

A group leader is chosen.

His job is to ensure the safe delivery of the wood for the shingi.

Three days after events begin, the group he leads prepares to depart in the middle of the night.

Dressed in formal traditional clothing, they conduct a prayer for safety.

Then they set off for another temple, located four kilometers away at the base of a mountain.

They stay silent throughout, so that no evil can intrude.

When they arrive, they hand over a box.

The wood for the shingi will be placed inside.

The wood comes from a nearby forest, and has been seen only by key insiders.

It is now inside this box.

The group finally returns safely to Saidaiji Temple.

I'm relieved to have brought
the wood back without incident.

Saidaiji Eyo is the pride
of our community.

Every day for the following two weeks, Buddhist prayers are offered.

The prayers are for peace, and a good harvest.

The shingi are made in a special rite behind closed doors.

They will be ready in time for the big day.

For the first time in three years, Saidaiji Eyo will have spectators.

First, young dancers give a modern performance.

All these taiko drums are played by women.

That's one special feature of this festival.

2,500 fireworks help to build the atmosphere.

At last, the men enter through the main gate.

They head to an area in the temple grounds where they will be purified.

This is done by bathing in freezing water - at the coldest time of year!

The men continue their parade.

They walk through a sacred space established by four pillars.

Here, evil spirits are trapped and quelled.

Finally, the men gather before the main temple building.

Normally, they would extend their arms,

ready to grab one of the shingi, which would be dropped from above.

For safety reasons, spectators aren't usually allowed in.

This year is an exception.

It is an arrangement that is actually closer to an older form of the Eyo event.

The two weeks of Buddhist prayers finally come to an end.

On this occasion, the shingi will be dropped down to the sponsors,

rather than fought over by the near-naked men.

The shingi are safely delivered.

The sponsors move towards the main gate.

They show everyone the shingi in order to share good fortune with them.

The noise the participants make
can be heard a long way off.

It makes me think that we've overcome
the tough times caused by COVID-19.

And we're entering a new era.

It's a regular event, but it's so moving.

It has 500 years of history behind it.

Mind and body are purified, and we
receive the blessing of the shingi.

We'll work hard as a temple to
keep the tradition going next year.

A traditional festival, back again after the pandemic.

It's a source of local pride and identity.