Written by Greg Lane
Watching sumo wrestlers trying to make babies cry might seem like an odd pastime, but in Asakusa’s Sensoji it’s an age-old tradition. The unusual 400-year-old event takes place at a few different temples and shrines across Japan but this is by far the most popular.
What happens?
The babies are a year old and the challenge is to see which cries first — becoming the winner. If they cry at the same time, the winner is determined by who cries the loudest and if a baby laughs, an ogre-mask-clad priest will often step in to encourage some tears.
Parents pay around ¥15,000 to have their babies participate, and it’s quite a privileged opportunity as the tears encourage good health and drive away any evil spirits. This is the root behind the popular Japanese saying that a crying baby grows faster (although we assume this is little comfort to tired parents at 2 a.m.).
Schedule 2025
There are two competitions: one held at 11:15 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m. so don’t worry if you can’t make the earlier one.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.6 km from Asakusa Station Ginza Line (G19)Asakusa Line (A18)Tobu Skytree Line (TS1)
- 0.8 km from Tawaramachi Station Ginza Line (G18)
- 1.0 km from Honjo-azumabashi Station Asakusa Line (A19)
