Two sumo wrestlers stand face to face in a dohyo ring. Each cradles a baby in his massive arms. The referee leans in. And then, with the solemnity of a championship bout, both wrestlers try to make their baby cry first. Welcome to Nakizumo — Japan's crying baby sumo — quite possibly the most absurd, adorable, and genuinely moving festival you will ever witness.
What Is Nakizumo?
Nakizumo (泣き相撲, literally "crying sumo") is a centuries-old ritual held at shrines and temples across Japan, typically in spring. The premise is simple: two babies, usually under one year old, are each held by a sumo wrestler (or shrine attendant wearing a demon mask). The baby who cries first — or loudest — is declared the winner. The belief behind the tradition is that a baby's cries reach the gods and bring good health, strong growth, and protection from evil spirits. "Naku ko wa sodatsu" (泣く子は育つ) — the crying child grows strong.
Where and When
Nakizumo events are held at various shrines across Japan between April and June. Some of the most well-known locations include:
- Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo — One of the largest and most famous Nakizumo events, typically held in late April. Held within the grounds of Tokyo's oldest temple, it draws hundreds of participating families and large crowds of spectators.
- Ikiko Shrine, Kanuma, Tochigi — Known for having one of the oldest Nakizumo traditions.
- Various shrines in rural areas — Smaller, more intimate versions are held at local shrines throughout the country.
The Sensoji event is the most accessible for international visitors, located in the heart of Tokyo's Asakusa district. Check with the temple for exact 2026 dates as they vary slightly each year.
What to Expect
The atmosphere is a delightful mix of solemnity and comedy. A gyoji (referee) in traditional robes officiates each bout. The sumo wrestlers — often from nearby training stables — hold the babies aloft facing each other. If neither baby cries, the referee might don an oni (demon) mask and make scary faces, or shake noise-making instruments. The crowd cheers for tears.
Some babies wail immediately. Others stare stoically, apparently unimpressed by the 150-kilogram man holding them. Occasionally a baby laughs, to the delight of everyone present. Each bout lasts about 30 seconds, and the entire event runs for several hours as dozens of families participate.
Why It Matters
Beyond the laughs, Nakizumo is a genuine expression of parental love and community faith. Families bring their babies to receive a blessing — the ritual is an act of hope that the child will grow up healthy and strong. Many Japanese parents consider it good luck, and some travel considerable distances to have their baby participate. The sumo wrestlers, for their part, are gentle and practiced, handling the infants with surprising delicacy.
Tips for Spectators
- Arrive early. Popular events like Sensoji attract large crowds. Arriving 30–60 minutes before the start ensures a good viewing spot.
- Respect the families. This is a religious ceremony as much as entertainment. Be mindful when photographing — always check if photography is welcome.
- It is free to watch. Participation (entering your baby) requires registration and a fee, but spectating is free at most locations.
- Pair it with Asakusa sightseeing. If you attend the Sensoji event, spend the day exploring Asakusa — Sensoji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, and the Sumida River are all within walking distance.
A Festival That Stays With You
Nakizumo is one of those Japanese experiences that sounds too strange to be real until you see it. Then you realize it is one of the most human things you have ever witnessed — parents hoping for the best for their children, wrapped in centuries of tradition and a healthy dose of humor. Whether the babies cooperate or not, everyone leaves smiling.
See Nakizumo Crying Baby Festival on MatsuriMap for details.
Image: Nakizumo Crying Baby Festival at Sensoji, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
