Nakizumu Matsuri (Baby Cry Festival)

Naki, naki (cry, cry) for a long and healthy life!

When: April 28th/29th 2012
Where: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa District, Tokyo, Japan

During the month of April the Nakizumu Matsuri (baby-cry sumo festival) is held in many temples all across Japan. Crying babies are held aloft by giant sumo wrestlers to see which one will cry first and which one will cry the loudest. The sumos growl, make faces and sometimes use scary masks to try and encourage the little tots to start bawling, in the belief that the louder they cry, the more the gods will bless them with a long and healthy life.

Japanese Food & Drink

Try the traditional street food like Yakitori Chicken. Sekihan rice is often served on special occasions, holidays and festivals in Japan. Its red colour is considered the colour of happiness. Try our Sekihan or Yakitori recipes. Drink warm Sake.

Travel to Japan

Fly to Tokyo / Narita Airport. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com or package holidays with Kuoni.

Lucky Cat Meneki Neko is the lucky beckoning cat of Japan who brings luck and prosperity. A raised left paw supposedly attracts money, while a raised right paw protects it.

	Further information & useful links
			Japan travel books Sensoji Temple, Tokyo map Tokyo City Guide		Crying Sumo Festival by vyxle, on Flickr   More Nakizumu Matsuri pictures on flickr   Nakizumu Matsuri videos on YouTube