Murdo Maclean is no longer shy about wearing a loincloth and jumping into ice-cold rivers. In fact, it has become an annual event for the red-haired Scot, who has just finished his second year as a coordinator for international relations (CIR) in the town of Ogata, Oita Prefecture.
Every November, dozens of townsmen wearing loincloths carry mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines) across the frigid river in a ceremony dating back nearly 800 years. Maclean is believed to be the first foreigner to have participated in the event.
"To be asked to participate in the Kawagoshi Festival has been a great privilege," says Maclean. "People here have welcomed me into their lives in a special way."