In a first, women to participate in Japan's 'naked festival'

For the first time in its 1,250-year history, women in Japan have been granted permission to join the ancient Hadaka Matsuri, or "naked festival," held at a Shinto shrine in Inazawa. Traditionally held every February, thousands of men don minimal clothing to drive away evil spirits for the upcoming year. This year, around 40 women will be allowed to participate on February 22, albeit with some modifications.