Naki Sumo: Japan's Crying Baby Sumo Festivals

At shrines across Japan, sumo wrestlers hold babies face to face in a ring, and the first little one to cry out wins a blessing.

Published October 21, 2026 at 6:05 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Naki sumo, or crying sumo, is a Shinto blessing ritual in which two babies are held by sumo wrestlers in a small ring and the first to cry wins. It is said to be about 400 years old and is usually held around Children's Day on May 5. The best-known event takes place at Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo, and many other shrines hold their own.

Few Japanese traditions make visitors smile as quickly as this one. The idea that a loud baby is a lucky baby sounds surprising at first, but it rests on a warm folk belief and a well-loved proverb. This guide explains what naki sumo means, where it comes from, how a typical bout unfolds, where to see it, and how to enjoy it respectfully as a spectator or as a family curious about the custom.

What is naki sumo?

Naki sumo is a festival event in which babies are held by sumo wrestlers and encouraged to cry, as a blessing for healthy growth. The word naki means crying, and sumo is the national sport of Japan, so the name literally means crying sumo. You may also see it written as nakizumo.

In the ring, two babies are held at once, each in the arms of a wrestler, and a Shinto priest opens the event with prayers for the children's health. The first baby to cry is declared the winner. If both babies cry together, the one with the louder or longer cry is usually named the winner. The winner is blessed with good health, although everyone in the ring leaves with the same good wishes.

The tone is cheerful and playful. Parents, grandparents and onlookers laugh along, and the whole thing feels more like a family celebration than a competition. Because the babies are the center of attention, it is one of the most photographed and talked about events of the spring season.

Where the tradition comes from

The belief behind naki sumo is that a baby's loud cry can drive away evil spirits. A cry was thought to protect the child from harm, and a strong voice was welcomed as a sign of vitality. A related proverb, naku ko wa sodatsu, means that crying babies grow up fast and strong. Together, the belief and the proverb give the event its meaning.

Sources commonly describe the tradition as being around 400 years old, although the details of its earliest history differ from shrine to shrine and from region to region. Many shrines in different parts of Japan have developed their own versions, and each carries local flavor. What stays the same is the central idea: a baby's cry is lucky.

Sumo itself has long been linked to Shinto, since it began as a ritual offering to the gods and still keeps many ceremonial elements today. That is why it feels natural for a sumo ring to appear at a shrine, and why wrestlers can lend their strength and presence to a blessing for children. The combination of sacred ritual and good humor is part of what makes naki sumo so memorable.

When and where it is held

Naki sumo is usually held in spring, often around Children's Day on May 5, which falls at the end of Golden Week. Some events take place in late April or on other days, depending on the shrine. Because each shrine sets its own schedule, the safest approach is to check the shrine's official announcement or local tourism information before you plan a visit.

The most famous setting is Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo, a temple area that is a favorite with visitors from around the world. Senso-ji has a long history that is said to begin in the seventh century with a statue of Kannon found in the Sumida River, and it remains one of Tokyo's best-loved sights. Naki sumo is a seasonal highlight in this part of the city.

Other shrines across Japan hold their own versions, including some in the Hiroshima area. At one shrine in Hiroshima, babies from about six to eighteen months old are eligible, and roughly a hundred take part each year. Some venues take applications or hold lotteries for participating families, while others simply welcome spectators.

What happens during a bout

A typical event follows a clear order. First a Shinto priest offers prayers for the healthy growth of the babies. Then the babies are brought forward, held in the arms of wrestlers, and presented to one another in the ring. At a signal, the wrestlers begin to encourage the babies to cry.

The wrestlers use a few gentle methods. They may bounce the babies lightly, make silly or fierce faces, and chant a rhythmic call of naki, naki, naki, which means cry, cry, cry. In some versions, if neither baby has made a sound after a few minutes, a referee or a person in a traditional mask steps in with a comic scare. Parents are usually right there, close by, and the atmosphere stays warm.

When a baby cries, the wrestler often raises the child a little higher, which is said to strengthen the blessing. The crowd cheers, families smile, and some call out wishes for a long and healthy life. At the end the priest or an announcer names the winner, and the next pair steps up.

Highlights and unique features

The biggest highlight is the contrast. Large, powerful wrestlers cradle tiny babies with obvious care, and the funny faces they make in order to bring on a cry are a delight to watch. The ring is small, the stakes are cheerful, and the audience is part of the fun.

Another feature is the sense of community. Families, grandparents and neighbors gather to cheer, and the event often becomes a first big outing for a baby. Many parents treat it as a memorable family occasion, and the shrine blessing adds a quiet, meaningful moment to the day.

Some events add small touches to the babies' outfits. One account mentions tiny helmets modeled on samurai kabuto, which make for charming photographs. The details vary, so what you see will depend on the shrine you visit.

Costumes, music and symbols

The main characters are the wrestlers, who wear their ceremonial sumo outfits, and the priest, who leads the prayers in Shinto dress. The babies are dressed comfortably, and in some places in festive outfits suited to the occasion. The ring itself, called the dohyo, is a symbol of sumo and a link to the sport's sacred roots.

Sound is part of the experience. The rhythmic call of the wrestlers, the laughter of the crowd and, of course, the babies' cries fill the air. Instead of formal music, the soundtrack is the happy noise of a community gathered around its youngest members.

The central symbol is the cry itself. Where many cultures wish for quiet babies, Japanese folk belief treats a lusty cry as a sign of good health and spirit. That reversal is what gives the festival its charm.

How to see naki sumo as a visitor

If you want to watch naki sumo, start by checking the schedule of the shrine you hope to visit. Dates and programs change, and popular events may have limited space. The Senso-ji area in Asakusa is easy to reach by train, with several lines serving the neighborhood, and the temple's official site offers general visitor information.

Spectating is generally open to the public at festivals like this, although some venues control access or ask families to apply in advance if they want to take part. If you are traveling with a baby of your own and wish to participate, ask the shrine office about eligibility and application rules, and plan ahead, because spots can be limited.

Arrive early, since the best views fill quickly. Spring weather in Japan can be pleasant, so a light jacket and a hat are usually enough, but check the forecast on the day.

Tips and etiquette

Treat the event as a blessing first and a show second. Keep your voice down during the priest's prayers, and applaud and laugh once the bouts begin. Parents are the guests of honor, so give them space and avoid crowding the ring.

When photographing, be considerate of families. Many parents are happy to be part of the festival atmosphere, but it is polite to avoid close shots of other people's babies without a friendly nod or asking first. Use a zoom lens, and follow any instructions from shrine staff or event organizers.

If you are visiting with young children yourself, bring a small bag with the basics and expect crowds around Golden Week. Large public places can be busy at this time of year, so patience and good humor go a long way.

Combine it with nearby sights

If you attend naki sumo in Asakusa, the area offers plenty to enjoy afterward. Senso-ji itself, with its great gate and shopping street leading to the main hall, is the obvious next stop. A short walk takes you through the traditional streets of the old downtown, where snack stalls and craft shops line the lanes.

Since the festival often falls near Children's Day, you may also notice carp streamers flying from poles and rooftops, a cheerful sight of the season. A sumo-themed afternoon is also possible in Ryogoku, Tokyo's sumo town, which is a short train ride away and rich in sumo history and food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is naki sumo?

Naki sumo is a Shinto blessing ritual in which two babies are held by sumo wrestlers in a ring, and the first to cry is the winner. It is based on the belief that a baby's loud cry drives away evil spirits and on the proverb that crying babies grow up fast and strong.

When is naki sumo held in Japan?

It is usually held in spring, often around Children's Day on May 5, though some shrines choose late April or other days. Because every shrine sets its own schedule, check the shrine's official page or local tourism office for the current program before you travel.

Where can visitors see crying baby sumo?

The best-known event takes place at Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo, and many other shrines around Japan hold their own versions. Some events are open to spectators, while others accept participating families by application or lottery, so confirm the details with the organizers ahead of time.

Further Reading

To explore further, see Naki Sumo Crying Baby Festival (Wikipedia), The Nakizumo Festival, an Event Where Crying Babies Are a Good Thing (Tokyo Weekender) and Senso-ji Temple (official English site).

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Children's Day: Koinobori Carp Streamers in May, Asakusa and Senso-ji: Tokyo's Oldest Temple District and Ryogoku: Tokyo's Sumo Town.