On March 25th, thousands of people gather at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki City, Japan to celebrate the Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the "Festival of the Steel Phallus". It's a festival that celebrates fertility and safe sex, and it has become increasingly popular worldwide since its inception in the 1960s. During the festival, participants dress up in brightly colored costumes depicting penises of all shapes and sizes, and parade through the streets carrying giant phallic objects. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to honor Shinto deities who protect men from venereal diseases. In addition to the parade, there are also contests for best-dressed male and female genitalia, and traditional Japanese food and drinks are served. However, the festival is not without controversy; some see it as a celebration of excessive sexuality and debauchery, while others view it as a harmless way to promote awareness about sexually transmitted diseases. Regardless of one's opinion on the matter, the Kanamara Matsuri remains an important part of Japanese culture and continues to attract visitors from around the world each year.
The first sentence sets the stage by introducing the festival and providing some background information on its history and purpose. The next three sentences provide details about what happens during the festival - including the parade, costume contest, and food and drink offerings. This section ends with a brief mention of the controversies surrounding the event. The final sentence summarizes the overall significance of the festival and its impact on Japanese culture. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the festival, such as the parade or the costume contest, and use precise language to describe the scene. For example: "As the parade begins, attendees line the streets dressed in colorful outfits that resemble penises of all shapes and sizes. Some costumes feature elaborate designs, while others are more simple and straightforward." Throughout the article, avoid using colloquialisms and slang when discussing sexual themes, instead opting for clear and concise descriptions.