Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 九代目市川團十郎「暫」復元記念 泣き相撲
• Naki-zumō of Asakusa, the “sumō of tears” commemorating the “Shibaraku” statue

History

The Naki-zumō（泣き相撲, naki-zumō）of Asakusa is a spring event held on the esplanade behind the Sensō-ji temple（浅草寺, Sensō-ji）. Babies, carried by komusubi-yaku（子抱き役, kobuki-yaku）dressed in sumō attire, climb onto a dohyō（土俵, dohyō）while a gyōji（行司, gyōji）symbolically referees. The idea is not a sports competition, but the popular belief that crying is a good omen and promotes robust growth (健やかな成長, sukoyaka na seichō).

What makes Asakusa special is the direct connection with the “Shibaraku”（暫, Shibaraku）statue, associated with the 9th Ichikawa Danjūrō（九代目 市川團十郎, kudaime Ichikawa Danjūrō）and the kabuki character Kamakura Gongorō （鎌倉権五郎, Kamakura Gongorō）. The statue is located in the hondō-ura hiroba（本堂裏広場, place behind the main hall）, and the event serves as an offering/commemoration around this monument, which has become a cultural landmark of the site.

In its current form, the organization and announcements are handled by the Asakusa Kankō Renmei（浅草観光連盟, Asakusa Tourism Federation）. Like many urban events, Naki-zumō has undergone recent adaptations: some editions were scaled down (limited format, photos only) or cancelled depending on the health situation, before gradually returning to a fuller program.

Location and Date of the Event

• Location: behind Sensō-ji temple, esplanade of the “Shibaraku” statue（浅草寺 本堂裏広場「暫」銅像前, Sensō-ji hondō-ura hiroba “Shibaraku” dōzō-mae）.
• Date: generally late April. Recent example: April 26, with rain postponement the following day.
• Date type: variable: the date is announced each year (often a Saturday in late April), with the possibility of a rain date.

Schedule

The Naki-zumō of Asakusa takes place over one day, in two sessions (午前・午後, morning/afternoon) depending on the edition. The morning often begins with a short ceremony/service in front of the “Shibaraku” statue（法要, hōyō）, then families are welcomed for registration (受付, uketsuke).

On the dohyō（土俵, dohyō）, two babies are presented face to face. A gyōji（行司, gyōji）makes the announcement, and the carriers (組ませ役, kumase-yaku) try to provoke a cry or a wail, in a controlled and very brief manner. The “result” is symbolic: the main point is the prayer for health (健康祈願, kenkō kigan) and the family memory.

What makes the event striking is the contrast between the world of sumō (attire, dohyō, gyōji) and the atmosphere of Asakusa: in the background, you see the main hall（本堂, hondō) and the lively neighborhood. Some years, the event also attracts attention due to the presence of guests related to kabuki (according to announcements).

Practical Tips

Photos

The best spot is the periphery of the dohyō to capture expressions (burst mode recommended). Arrive before the session to find an angle with Sensō-ji in the background. In bright sunlight, a high shutter speed avoids blur (fast movements, wiggling baby). If you want a “contextual” image, use a wide frame with the “Shibaraku” statue and the crowd.

Weather

Late April in Tokyo can be mild, but the site is very exposed and you often remain standing. Bring a light layer + windbreaker. In case of rain, the edition may be postponed: keep an eye on the official announcement the day before.

Transport

Prefer the subway (Asakusa) and walking. Taxis can be slow due to tourist flows. On site, the Sensō-ji area is very crowded: anticipate bottlenecks (Kaminarimon, Nakamise) if you arrive right on time.

Visitor Tips

To avoid the crowd, aim for the first session. Combine with an early visit to Sensō-ji (before the rush) then return to the dohyō. Useful phrase: 「泣き相撲の会場はどこですか？」（Naki-zumō no kaijō wa doko desu ka? : “Where is the naki-zumō area?”）.

What to Bring

Water, cap (if sunny), tissues, portable charger, and cash (for small purchases in Asakusa). If you come with a baby, a light blanket and items to manage waiting outside (snack, wipes).

Sources & References

• 台東区（公式）｜泣き相撲

  Official ward page: date, exact location (behind Sensō-ji, “Shibaraku” statue), access from transport lines.

• 台東区｜広報たいとう（2021年3月20日号）第30回「泣き相撲」

  Municipal archive: indicates “photo only” format and dates April 24–25, 2021 at the same location.