Babies cry in Japanese competition - 19th May 2023

In Japan, 'Crying Baby Sumo' competitions take place across the country. The young children wear special sumo aprons. Then the parents simply wait for the noise to start!

Shigemi Fuji is the chairman of the organisation which runs the competition in Tokyo.

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."

Sumo wrestlers used to hold up the babies. But now, due to Covid-19, parents carry them instead.

Parents like Rintaro Okamura, father of an 8-month old, become quite excited.

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."

The competition is held at temples all over Japan. The rules differ from place to place. In some, like here in Tokyo, the baby who cries first wins. But in others, it's the last one who cries.

Certain adults attempt to make the babies cry. They put on frightening face masks. The judge then decides who wins. He wears a beautiful, traditional uniform and carries a fan.

All the parents are very proud to hear their child crying because it's the sign of a healthy baby.

Hisae Watanabe is one of the mothers at the 'Crying Baby Sumo' event.

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."