(14 Jan 2006)
1. Pan down form the shrine to the ritual-takers in the pants
2. Close up of the shaking boy reading prayer before the priest
3. Priest initiating the prayer
4. Close up of ritual-takers praying
5. Priest giving blessing
6. Ritual takes bowing and clapping hands
7. Zoom back from the water on ice to ritual-takers splashing the icy water overhead
8. Various of people playing music to cheer up
9. Ritual-takers stirring up their spirit and entering into the water and splashing water all over their body
10. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Voxpop (No name given)
"I thought I should make various new starts and renew my spirit. That is why I dared to splash water."
11. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Voxpop (No name given)
"It is cold. But men appeared to be feeling colder than me. So, I think I am feeling better."
12. Ritual takers splashing water overhead
STORY-LINE:
In the midst of the brisk winter, Japanese young and old dressed only in white underwear stood in front of the Shinto shrine, preparing to dowse themselves in icy cold water, as part of a seasonal ritual in Tokyo, on Saturday.
Each person read out a prayer, despite their lips almost turning blue and shivering in the cold.
The Shinto priest, dressed colourful traditional costume, blessed them before the ritual.
With their spirit lifted by the Shinto prayer, they jumped enthusiastically into the water that had a temperature of three degree celsius and vigorously splashed it over their bodies.
The ritual is meant to purify the spirit, and renew yourself in the Shinto religion.
Twenty-four courageous men and women participated in this year's ritual.
The oldest participant was 71 years old and has been through this experience seven times.
Keyword- WACKY
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