Dressed As White-Faced Women, Fishermen In Shizuoka Prefecture Dance And Sing For Big Catch
NUMAZU, JAPAN - APRIL 4: A boat load of dancing fishermen with their faces powdered white and dressed with women's robes took center stage at the Uchiura fishing port during Ose Matsuri/festival held in the Osezaki district of Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture on April 4, 2018, Japan. The festive boats, decorated with colorful flags paraded the port with Isami-odori or brave dance with music after heading to a nearby Ose Jinja shrine, where the fishermen offered prayers for a big catch and safe sailing, the fishermen traditionally dress up as women during the festival to ensure safe trips to sea and good catches. The custom is said originated from a local folklore when the wife of a fisherman gave her husband a kimono to ensure he was safe on his voyage. (Photo: Richard Atrero de Guzman / AFLO)