100 infants face-off at Japan's 'crying baby sumo' festival. All about Nakizumo

Babies cry as they are held up by amateur sumo wrestlers during 'Nakizumo'.

The ancient Japanese tradition of Nakizumo, also known as the 'crying baby sumo' festival, is back for the second time in four years since the pandemic and a hundred babies bawled their eyes out for the top spot. Held annually across various regions in Japan, Nakizumo is a cherished event that celebrates the growth and well-being of infants through a playful sumo-themed ritual.

The origins of Nakizumo can be traced back four centuries, rooted in the belief that the sound of a baby's cry wards off evil spirits and brings about good fortune. This tradition is held in high regard, particularly among parents and families seeking blessings for their newborns.

During the festival, adorable infants—some as young as a few months old—are brought to a designated sumo ring where sumo wrestlers, adorned in traditional loincloths, await. As part of the ritual, the wrestlers hold the babies and attempt to make them cry. It is believed that the louder and more fervently a baby cries, the greater the protection and prosperity they will receive.

This year, the festival was held at the historic Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. Dressed in ceremonial sumo aprons, toddlers were cradled by their parents as they squared off in the sumo ring on Saturday. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as staff adorned in "oni" demon masks playfully attempted to elicit tears from the youngsters.

Sumo wrestlers, engaging in amusing antics to evoke tears from the babies creates a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and applause from the audience. Parents, too, participate, often making funny faces or noises to coax their little ones into crying.

Despite some reservations from outsiders, Shigemi Fuji, chairman of the Asakusa Tourism Federation which organised the event, acknowledged that while some might question the practice of making babies cry, the event is cherished by parents and spectators alike.

For the sumo wrestlers, the festival represents a departure from their usual competitive matches, allowing them to showcase a softer, nurturing side as they interact with the infants.

In recent years, Nakizumo has gained international attention, drawing visitors from around the world. The "crying sumo" festivities extend beyond Tokyo, taking place at various shrines and temples across Japan.