Naki Sumo: Baby Crying Contest in Japan

I just like to share this interesting contest in Japan.


Reference: http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/395636/Strange-crying-baby-contest-held-in-Japan

Strange crying baby contest held in Japan

IT is a sound that fills most parents with dread, but at the annual Naki Sumo – crying baby contest – in Japan, wailing and screeching is encourged.

The bizarre event, held for over 400 years, is based on the concept that a long cry is good for the health of babies.

Eager mothers bring the children to the event where Sumo wrestlers and high priests coax babies into a state of distress.

No physical pain is inflicted on the babies; the sumo wrestlers instead growl and scowl in order to get a wail.

A crying baby is carried by Sumo wrestler

The baby to cry loudest and longest wins the contest

Sumo wrestlers coax babies to cry at the annual Naki Sumo (crying baby contest) in Japan

If both babies cry, whichever wails loudest wins.

If neither of the babies cry – or even worse, laugh – the wrestlers don creepy-looking masks to encourage tears.

The event, which marks the high point of spring, is held each year at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.

If the babies do not initially cry the sumo wrestlers don masks

The competition is intended to generate good health for the babies

Participating Japanese parents believe the Sumo-induced cries are beneficial.

As the babies are held high, so that their cries are closer to heaven and their mothers pray for their good health.

The 400-year old ritual is also believed to ward off evil spirits.

The annual Naki Sumo event is believed to ward off evil spirits

Aren't these babies so cute even when they cry? :)

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Hamamatsu Castle Park

Just a few minutes from Hamamatsu Station, the Hamamatsu Castle stands with history amidst lush greenery on its grounds. The Hamamatsu Castle was the seat of different feudal lords in Japan including the famous Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is surrounded by fortreses built to protect whoever is the feudal lord residing in the place.

Presently, the castle itself was converted to a samurai museum showcasing swords and other samurai stuff. Entrance fee is 200 Yen. The museum itself wasn't really impressive but looking at the collection can be a good way to pass the time. The walkway leading to the castle winds upward from the park.

Hamamatsu Castle Park in spring
photo credit: http://wallpapers.brothersoft.com/hamamatsu-castle-japan-102489-1280x800.html

Just outside the castle's walls is the Castle Park. The best time to visit is in spring with all the blooming flowers and cherry blossoms . It's also a popular spot for hanami.

(For more of Hamamatsu, click here.)

The flowing waters in the secluded section of the park provides a short respite from the outside world. However, there were a lot of crows that scared me off on my first visit to the park. (It was almost sunset and I was the only one walking in that area.)

There were also two erected monuments of Tokugawa on the park's grounds.

An art museum is also on its grounds but for the three times that I visited, it was always close.

A great reason to visit Hamamatsu Castle Park is its proximity from the station. It's about a 10-15 minute. There are also signs leading to the park. It's hard to get lost.

(More tourist spots in Japan, here)

This is a must-see in Hamamatsu in springtime.

Yokohama Ramen Museum: A Review

I went to the Yokohama Ramen Museum just because I was in Yokohama. I also got curious what kind of museum would devote itself to ramen. I am in Japan where people just adore ramen so I know I shouldn't be surprised but I am surprised, nonetheless.

Paying an entrance fee worth 300 Yen, I entered the museum's dark building. It isn't like the tiled and marbled museum I was expecting. It was like a enlarged diorama designed with colorful hanging lanterns and narrow alleys leading to traditional ramen houses. It attempts to capture the old Japan at night. There was even a street performer in the middle of the museum. 

Interior of Yokohama Ramen Museum

street performer at Yokohama Ramen Museum

It was an interesting place for the first few minutes but it was too small for a prolonged stay. Also, with all the ramen houses in the museum, I felt I was in a ramen bazaar. The actual place were a ramen history was displayed was small and unnoticeable. If I weren't looking carefully, I would have missed it. There was also nothing much to see or do. Unless you would like to eat ramen, the museum is not really worth visiting again.

The Yokohama Ramen Musuem

 I think the place would be better if the museum would systematically and attractively display ramens from different regions of Japan. They could also showcase an open kitchen to show how ramen is made. Lastly, the ramens sold inside the museum should be at least cheaper. 

I don't really highly recommend this place but if you're near the area, it won't hurt to drop by and look. 

For more information on the Yokohama Ramen Museum, click here