This unusual and interesting competition -- known as the Nakizumo Festival or Crying Sumo Festival -- takes place across Japan. It is one of the oldest competitions, dating back to the 15th century.
In the Nakizumo Festival, university club sumo wrestlers hold babies aloft and make them cry. The baby who cries first and loudest is declared winner. When babies laugh and refuse to cry, then the judge steps forward with a ferocious mask to make the babies wail.
Parents in Japan believe that a long wail is good and healthy for babies. However, researchers have proved that crying for a long period of time can damage the developing brains of babies.
Wailing Baby Competitions
Nakizumo Festival is a Bizarre Competition Held in Japan
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