400-Year-Old Japan’s ‘Crying Sumo’ Contest Is The Talk Of Town (Again)

To bring good fortune, prosperity and luck, many unusual activities are carried out across the globe. Several ancient beliefs are still prevalent in many cultures and societies that have gained significant international attention. Recently, Nakizumo also known as the ‘crying baby sumo’ festival was celebrated in Japan’s Tokyo on April 28. The contest took place for the second time almost four years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100 infants participated in this spectacular event. Let us find out more about this unique fest.

Significance of Nakizumo festival

Nakizumo is an event that celebrates the growth and well-being of infants through a playful sumo-themed ritual. It is organised annually across various regions in Japan. The origins of Nakizumo can be traced back four centuries, as per reports. It is believed 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.

How is it marked?

During the festival, as a part of the ritual, the sumo wrestlers hold the infants and attempt to “make them cry.” It is said that the louder and more fervently a baby cries, the greater the protection and prosperity the respective families receive.

Venue of the festival

In 2024, the festival was held at the historic Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. However, it extends beyond Tokyo, taking place at various shrines and temples across Japan. Dressed in ceremonial sumo aprons, babies were cradled by their parents as they squared off in the wrestling ring. Sumo wrestlers engage in amusing antics to evoke tears from the babies. It creates a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and applause from the audience. Parents also participate in the event.

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, the Moneycontrol report suggested.

Importance for sumo wrestlers

Besides the families involved, even for the sumo wrestlers, the festival represents a break from their monotonous competitive matches. It allows them to showcase a softer, caring side as they interact with the infants and involve themselves in various antics.