Imagine going to a festival and hearing nothing but the shrill cries of infants — not laughter, not music, but wails that pierce through the air. This is no ordinary gathering. Introducing Naki Sumo, Japan’s centuries-old Crying Baby Festival, where tears are not a cause for concern but a symbol of good fortune.
Held every year around May 5, Japanese parents dress their little ones in traditional attire and take them to the nearest Shinto shrine — sacred spaces dedicated to the worship of kami, or divine spirits of nature. Here, the aim is simple yet curious: to have their baby cry the loudest.
What might seem unusual to outsiders carries deep cultural meaning in Japan. The festival celebrates the belief that a baby’s cry wards off evil spirits and brings health and happiness for the year ahead. As sumo wrestlers gently coax the infants to tears, laughter and blessings fill the air — a joyful paradox where crying becomes an expression of life and protection.
At first glance, the Naki Sumo Festival may seem peculiar, with — cheering crowds, sumo wrestlers, and crying babies all in the same arena. But in Japan, this age-old tradition is a joyful celebration of life, protection, and good fortune.
During the festival, two babies are brought into a sumo ring, each held carefully by a sumo wrestler. The contest begins when a referee, often dressed in colourful robes or even a scary mask, tries to coax the babies into crying — by shouting, making funny faces, or waving objects dramatically. The first baby to cry, or sometimes the one who cries the loudest depending on local rules, is declared the winner.
Despite its premise, the atmosphere is anything but somber. The grounds are filled with laughter, applause, and festive energy, as parents and onlookers cheer on the tiny contestants. Some babies burst into tears immediately, while others stay stoically calm, adding to the amusement of the crowd.
More than a contest, the Naki Sumo festival reflects a deep-rooted cultural belief. A baby’s cry wards off evil spirits and ensures a healthy, prosperous life, as reflected in the Japanese proverb "naku ko wa sodatsu" (crying babies grow the fastest). Dressed in bright ceremonial attire, the infants become the centre of a heartfelt celebration that blends spirituality, community, and centuries-old Japanese tradition.
Attending the Naki Sumo Festival offers a glimpse into a side of Japanese culture that’s both touching and lighthearted — a reminder that even tears can carry blessings.
The most famous Naki Sumo Festival takes place at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, usually on or around May 5, coinciding with Children’s Day. However, similar events are held at shrines and temples across Japan, with dates varying by region — some taking place in late April, while others are celebrated in summer or early autumn.
The festival is free to attend and open to the public, making it a lively cultural spectacle for both locals and visitors. However, parents who wish for their babies to participate must pay a participation fee, which varies depending on the hosting shrine or temple. Due to the festival’s growing popularity, some locations even hold a lottery system to decide which infants can take part in the crying contest.
Whether in Tokyo or in smaller regional shrines, attending the Naki Sumo Festival offers a charming and authentic glimpse into Japan’s blend of spirituality, community spirit, and joyful tradition.
1. What is Japan’s Crying Baby Festival?
The Crying Baby Festival, or Naki Sumo, is a traditional Japanese event where sumo wrestlers hold infants in a friendly competition to see who cries first or loudest — believed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits.
2. When is the Crying Baby Festival held in Japan?
It usually takes place around May 5 each year, coinciding with Children’s Day, though dates vary by region.
3. Where is the most famous Crying Baby Festival held?
The most well-known Naki Sumo Festival is held at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, attracting both locals and international visitors.
4. Why do Japanese people celebrate babies crying?
According to Japanese tradition, a baby’s cry drives away evil spirits and ensures good health and happiness for the child.
5. Can tourists attend the Crying Baby Festival?
Yes, the festival is open to the public and free to attend, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Japan’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
