Each year around this time Japanese sumo wrestlers square off against one another in the ring. But rather than wrestling to push each other out of the circle, the goal at the Nakizumo Festival is to make babies cry... as quickly and loudly as possible.
Spectators of the crying sumo contest at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo may want to bring ear plugs for the 400 year old traditional game. Participants believe that a good, loud wail ensures a happy, healthy life. The big boys hold the little babies up in the air, with the idea that their cries will be closer to heaven. The first baby to bawl the loudest wins.
The wrestlers make ominous growling noises and freaky faces to complete the task. If that doesn't work, they bust out the scary masks. The judges just sit back and laugh while more mothers line up to add their babies to the battle. Are they crazy?
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japan,
japanese traditions,
sumo wrestlers,
crying sumo contest
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What in the world?