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Face off for crying baby sumos - 19th May 2023

The Japanese 'Crying Baby Sumo' contest sees pairs of babies or toddlers squaring up against one another. Youngsters wear ceremonial sumo aprons and are supported by their parents who stand in opposition, waiting expectantly for the first wail.

Chairman of the Asakusa Tourism Federation Shigemi Fuji is responsible for the event based in the capital.

Shigemi Fuji: "Some people may get surprised to see this event and think it’s terrible that we make babies cry. But in Japan, we believe babies who cry powerfully also grow up healthily. This kind of event takes place in many places in Japan."

Prior to the global pandemic, the infants were held aloft by massive sumo wrestlers, but due to continued safety concerns, this year they're supported by parents, such as Rintaro Okamura. Accompanied by his 8-month old, he's feeling rather competitive.

Rintaro Okamura: "We heard about the event this year. We're happy that we can take part in it this year. Although she doesn't usually cry so much, I want her to cry today and win a bout."

Held at various shrines and temples nationwide, the rules for the 'Crying Baby Sumo' ritual vary somewhat from place to place. Although at times the first baby to bawl is the one crowned the winner, in others the infant who cries last takes the honours.

In Tokyo, it's the first one to weep who's triumphant, but if necessary, the competition staff don sinister "oni'" or demon masks to set the infants off and victory is announced by a referee wearing an elaborate traditional costume, who holds up a wooden fan.

Whether they win or lose, it's a matter of pride for parents to hear their precious offspring wailing at the top of their lungs, since it's a clear sign of a robust baby, as Hisae Watanabe states.

Hisae Watanabe: "We can tell a baby’s health condition by listening to the way they cry. Today, she may get nervous and not cry so much, but I want to hear her healthy crying."