ADULT THEME: B2+
First Sunday in April

Kanamara Matsuri

A famous Shinto festival in Kawasaki, Japan. People parade massive, bright pink statues of penises through the streets. Originally to pray for fertility and safe childbirth, it now also raises money for HIV research.

Japanese festival with vibrant pink statues

Speaking Discussion

Why do you think Western tourists find a festival like this so shocking, while locals see it as completely normal?
Does your country have any weird old traditions or superstitions when it comes to having babies?
Do you think having a massive street party is actually the best way to get people talking about taboo subjects?
If your boss or your parents saw a photo of you having fun at this festival, would you have some explaining to do?
How can ancient religious rituals keep their seriousness in a modern world that just wants to laugh at everything?

Activity 1: The Great Debate

Motion: "Modern society has become too sensitive and easily offended by natural human biology and historical traditions."

Split the class into two sides. Team A must defend the importance of maintaining modest, conservative public standards; Team B must argue for complete freedom of expression and open discussions about human biology.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

"The most taboo subject to talk about in my culture is definitely..."
"If I saw a giant pink statue moving down my street, my first reaction would be..."
"I think sex education in schools should be..."

Key Vocabulary

Fertility The natural capability to produce offspring (have babies) or grow crops.
Taboo A social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing.
Stigma A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Phallus An image or representation of the male anatomy, often symbolising the generative power of nature.
Conservative Averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values, especially regarding social behaviour.

Need Expert Correction?

Master your fluency with a 1-on-1 session with a British Native speaker.

✅ Live 1-on-1 Lessons
✅ Instant Error Correction

GET CORRECTED NOW

Pro-Speaker Secret

The Diplomatic Disagreement: When discussing highly controversial or taboo topics, native speakers use diplomatic softeners to stay polite. Try using: "I understand where you're coming from, but I look at it a bit differently..." instead of a blunt "I disagree."

Teacher's Note: Fluency is the goal. It is better to speak with mistakes than to stay silent thinking of perfect grammar!