Here at RocketNews24 there’s nothing we like more on a man (or indeed a woman) than a dashing fundoshi. While we believe the traditional Japanese underwear that’s part-apron, part-loincloth is suitable for any occasion, we’re prepared to accept that they’re mainly seen at matsuri (festivals) these days.
So when we found this wondrous video of a group of men doing a special festival bird-catching dance in fundoshi, we knew we were in for a treat. Join us after the jump for some very genki dancing men having a lot of body-slappin’ good fun!
The torisashi odori (bird-catching dance) is a tradition unique to Unzen city, Nagasaki Prefecture. Like real old-fashioned bird-catchers, men carry a special pole called a mochizao. Unlike real bird-catchers, they only wear fundoshi. They also dance around chirping and pretending to be birds.
▼ FUN-doshi!
▼ They slap their backsides to make them red. Just like the scarlet fundoshi!
▼ Only men can perform this dance. We’ll leave you to decide whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
▼ They say once you try a fundoshi, you’ll never look back…well ok, maybe they don’t say that. But they should.
You can catch the full video here:
▼ Skip to 1:30 if you don’t fancy the introductory speech.
Although Unzen City’s torisashi dance is also sometimes performed outside, this one was filmed at an event called ‘Fundoshi Meeting in Nagasaki‘. Clearly, we’ll have to head to Nagasaki to get our fundoshi fix next year!
Sources: Niconico news, YouTube
Images: YouTube
Blogger’s silly video of types of dancers at Singapore clubs is trending in Japan
Visual kei band Golden Bomber puts fans to sleep for White Day 【Video】
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says