Japanese celebration could be the world's most unusual festival.
The sight of giant penis sculptures being paraded through the streets might seem like a joke, but this odd tradition is a serious matter.
For the residents of Kawasaki, lugging around erotic phalluses of all shapes and sizes is totally normal.
Known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, it is held every spring at the penis-shaped Kanayama Shrine.
The celebration of giant manhoods is an opportunity for participants to pray for fertility, easy child birth and protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Some people even sit astride a giant wooden penis while they ask god for these blessings.
And the comical shrine was once a popular place for prostitutes to pray for protection from sexually transmitted infections.
This year's festivities saw three impressive phalluses carried through the streets.
These included the tall black Kanamara Boat Mikoshi, the big pink Elizabeth Mikoshi and the wooden Kanamara Big Mikoshi.
The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri started as a small tradition nearly 40 years ago, but has grown into a popular a tourist attraction.
In addition to the penis parading, the festivities include music, performances and penis-shaped confectionery.
And the sexual party also raises awareness and money for HIV research.
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