Think of Rio`s Carnival and what comes to mind first? Latin Culture? South American Passion? Or the lithe, semi-nude, gorgeous bodies of men and women cavorting, singing and dancing through Rio`s steamy streets...

The Yamakasa. What comes into a foreign visitors mind when they see it for the first time? The 600 years of tradition perhaps? The history...? The ancient festivities? The customs, the fineness of the floats, the colours...? (Yeuch! - the colours... Is it only float designers who think that green and pink look good together...)

No!

The bottoms.

In the words of one appreciative female foreign visitor, for a week or so, Fukuoka becomes `Peach City` (Bless it!) Hordes of young, fit,

It has always enchanted me that Fukuoka men who normally feel naked if they are not wearing a tie are quite happy to strip off to a glorified G-string and run around together for days on end.

handsome, firm bodied, muscular, practically naked men dash through city streets. The shimekomi (loin cloth) may be a traditional garment, but its major purpose seems to be to "lift, separate and display" - as they say in bra adverts...

It has always enchanted me that Fukuoka men who normally feel naked if they are not wearing a tie are quite happy to strip off to a glorified G-string and run around together for days on end. In England if a group of semi-naked men pass you in the street, you`ve probably got caught up in a "gay pride" parade. If not, they are almost certainly being chased by policemen....

Now I know dear reader, YOU go to the Yamakasa for its rich historical traditions - Fubar too. But a quick straw poll around Fubar`s (mainly female) friends suggests that you and I are in a minority. As an activity the Yamakasa may be "men only", but as a spectator sport it`s definitely appreciated most by women - `though we do hear that quite a lot of men from across Japan also visit the city at this time. For the "tradition", presumably...

So - a modest proposal - why not - update it - a little and give the visitors more of what they really seem to want...? A "best-bottom" of the festival award, by popular vote, perhaps. Think what product endorsements would await the winnner! Or how about "handsomest nagare", "cutest newcomer" - or even, a "best filled shimekomi" prize. International visitors would flock to the city.

And a new slogan for the month. "Peach City Fukuoka"! May it continue for another 1000 years!®