January 14, 1999 to January 15, 1999. Sainokami Festival. Ogunicho, Niigata Prefecture. There are 33 communities in this town. One of these is Hosse, which is on the border of Oguni and Ojiya cities, and is a small community of about 70 households. A unique event called the "Saikomami" takes place here during the "Koshogatsu" period. Straw is piled into the shape of a large human and a phallus placed on it. It is adorned with New Year writings and New Year ornaments and then set on fire. When the fire dies down, dried cuttlefish and rice cakes are roasted, and the year's fertility is prayed for.

Piling up the straw for a "Kagomoriana" ( This hut is known as a "kamakura" in standard Japanese. It is called "kagomoriana" in the Kago dialect.) is the custom, but today, the straw is specially prepared for this festival by the farmsteads.

A finished "Sainokami". Under the phallus, two testicles are hung. The ceder leaves gives it a realistic touch and around the figure are the New Year writings and ornaments.

A lit "Sainokami"