All About Japan

Central Japan's Husband-Throwing Festival

Events Japanese Winter Traditional Japan Weird Japan Niigata Chubu Hokuriku Koshinetsu

Locals in the snowy countryside of central Japan carry a man who got married last October in a winter ritual aimed at strengthening the bond between husband and wife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYQvyneP7rk

Organizers limited the number of spectators this year due to the coronavirus. A group of men threw the husband onto the snow. He then rolled down to where his wife was waiting.

The wife told reporters, "We hope to build a happy family with lots of laughter and conversations."

Participants also smeared charcoal ink on each other’s faces in hopes of good health.