Miyakojima’s Paantu Festival: Mud-Covered Gods Chase Away Evil Spirits

Oct 30, 2025 | News On Japan

NAHA - The traditional ritual of Paantu, in which masked gods covered in mud ward off evil spirits, took place on October 28th in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, filling the village with laughter and screams.

Appearing in the Hirara Shimajiri district were the visiting deities known as Paantu—figures smeared head to toe in mud. Locals believe that this sacred mud drives away misfortune and brings good health throughout the year. The deities went from house to house, spreading mud on walls, cars, and even on residents of all ages, from children to adults.

Spectators shouted and laughed as they tried to avoid the deities. One onlooker cried out, "Stop, Paantu!" while a parent comforted a child saying, "Was Paantu scary? Do you want to go home and take a bath?" Another laughed, saying, "It smelled pretty bad, but I feel like my bad luck was wiped away."

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Paantu ritual once again brought the sound of cheerful chaos to the community, symbolizing purification and the continuation of a centuries-old island tradition.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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