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Fishermen in women’s costumes dance and pray for good catch
NUMAZU, Shizuoka Prefecture--On the decks of festively decorated boats, fishermen dressed in women's clothing performed a traditional dance praying for a safe and bountiful season off the Osezaki cape on April 4.
Part of the Ose Festival, the dance was dedicated to Osejinja shrine, which is widely worshiped by fishermen in Suruga Bay.
The boats were decorated with red-and-white bunting, cedar leaves and brightly colored flags.
On board, fishermen wearing women's "juban" kimono undergarments and face powder performed the lively "Isami Odori" dance, chanting "Chanchara okashi, chara okashi" and waving hand-fans along with the music.
According to head priest Yoshiteru Nomura, the festival is said to entertain the male god of the shrine.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201304040094
