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.