TOYKO (CNN) - They're not lean, but these sumos definitely look like mean fighting machines.
On Saturday, Japan held its the Naki (or crying baby) Sumo Festival.
Every year, parents bring babies to Tokyo's ancient Sensoji Temple.
Each baby enters the ring with a sumo. Babies are pitted against each other as adult sumo wrestlers try to make them cry by pulling faces and by crying "nake."
The winning toddler - the best crier - is believed to be blessed with a long, healthy life.
A centuries old tradition, some believe it wards off demons, and many think it brings good luck.
"In Japan, we have a saying, 'A crying baby grows well.' So, we make babies cry. The louder they cry, the better they grow!" the referee said.
For some, just entering the ring is enough to blubber. Others needs a little jostling or just being told to nake - Japanese for cry.
When all else fails, sumos don terrifying masks.
It's nerve-racking for the families, who paid $140 a baby to take part.
The activity doesn't always work. Some babies really will sleep through anything.
Many return home victorious, though.
"This is a such a good Japanese tradition. I'm so pleased I could take part," one mother said.
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