PAANTU FESTIVAL (パーントゥ)

Miyako-jima is a small, remote island in Okinawa prefecture that’s geographically much closer to Taiwan than it is to Japan. The island is famed for both its natural beauty as well as its severe weather, often struck alternatingly by drought and typhoons. Due to its distance from the mainland, it also has noticeable cultural differences from the rest of Japan and the native Miyako language is still spoken to some extent.

Miyako-jima’s cultural distinction from the mainland is most noticeable through the centuries old Paantu Festival, a peculiar celebration performed annually on the island. Held in the ninth month of the lunar calendar, 3 local men are selected to dress up as the Paantu, a terrifying supernatural being formed of branches, foliage and mud. Traditionally believed to be a spirit that drives away bad luck, the 3 Paantu will don an expressionless wooden mask and wander through the town smearing mud on anyone and anything.

In another instance of traumatizing small children as a blessing – the Paantu often approach newborn babies to smear mud on their forehead. In fact, in certain villages the Paantu will chase anyone who attempts to avoid the mud and pin them to the ground to cover them head to toe in muck. Any new homes and cars are also frequently the target of a thick coating of dirt.

In more recent times, locals have complained about the overwhelming number of tourists visiting the festival resulting in huge messes to be cleaned up. As such, the dates for the festival are now kept secret until only a few days before it takes place. It generally takes place between the end of September and mid-October so for anyone looking for a truly bizarre experience, keep your eyes peeled.