2006 Japan, Kawasaki fertility festival (22 images)

The Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus), takes place amidst large crowds at Wakamiya Hachiman-gu shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. The festival dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867) when the prostitutes of Kawasaki's prayed for good business, and for protection from syphilis. Now the festival offers people a place to pray for protection from all types of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.