THE effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to subside, with the latest indication of a return to normality coming in the resurgency of Japan's "Crying Sumo" competition.
Previously an annual fixture, the event which takes place right across the country, involves competitors wearing elaborate scary masks attempting to make infants cry, in a ritual believed to bring the children good health.
It's the first time it's been held in four years, with AFP citing the excited mother of an eight-month-old taking part.
"We can tell a baby's health condition by listening to the way they cry," she enthused.
"Today she may get nervous and not cry so much, but I want to hear her healthy crying."
A total of 64 babies took part in a gathering hosted by the Asakusa Tourism Federation, with a spokesperson downplaying suggestions that the ritual is cruel.
"In Japan we believe babies who cry powerfully also grow up healthily," he said.
The official Tokyo travel guide at gotokyo.org also highlighted the event, saying it is "an annual tradition that's especially popular among parents hoping to raise strong and healthy children".
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