Cold run

These guys look really "cool" or just COLD??

I think most of these guys should pray for nicer bodies and less man-boobage. That would be "healthy" There's one near the back with a nice body though.

It's cold enough without being naked in a pool of ice water. I hope they had an ambulance standing by in case...

It is more than I can bear!

Maybe you mean "It's more than I can bare" LOL

I like those nappy-like pants.

It would be more sensible to hold these pants matsuris in summer, rather than risking pneumonia.

Ice cold water causes major shrinkage.

Did something similar years ago up in the north of Honshu. In our case, however, it was a slow-moving procession down the streets of Morioka. I seem to remember that I lost all feeling in the extremities after about 5 minutes. The bath afterwards was great. Looking back, I suppose the sense of euphoria and fatigue were initial symptoms of hypothermia. Once was enough, thank you very much.

I thought the Japanese people are basically not religious (無宗教) but I see this is not true. Still Japan is a very religious nation.

Those nappies are fundoshi ie traditional underwear. Quiet comfy actually.

Holding an cold endurance festival in summer, I miss something here. New year dipping into cold rivers /seas is also widespread overseas.