Every year the Sensoji Temple in Japan holds an event called the Naki Sumo (Crying Baby Contest). This year, sumo wrestlers had to try to make 80 babies cry and whoever can cry the longest and loudest wins.

What’s the point of all of this? Well, it is believed that sumo-induced cries can be beneficial to the children and help them lead a healthy life. It can also ward off spirits.

Poor babies. I know that their parents have good intentions but the kids don’t know what is going on (they’re all under a year old). They were probably confused and horrified. I wonder if previous participants led a healthy life since this contest had been going on for over 400 years.

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