Crying contest for babies held in Hiroshima on Children's Day

About 700 babies have taken part in an annual "crying sumo" contest in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine holds the event on Children's Day on May 5 to pray for the health and wellbeing of children.

Babies aged 6 to 18 months are dressed in traditional happi coats and headbands. Two babies sit face-to-face in a sumo ring. The baby who cries first is the winner.

On Sunday, some babies burst into tears even before their bouts began. Some bouts ended in a draw as both babies remained calm.

One mother said she thought her 16-month-old boy might not cry so easily, but he did. She added she hopes the baby will grow up to be big and healthy.