Crow Sumo at Kamigamo Shrine!

On September 9, or the 9th day of the 9th month, is a special day for the Kamigamo shrine in Kyoto. They hold the annual Chrysanthemum Festival. After a shinto service local children from the neighbourhood contest in Karasu sumō or "Crow sumō".
Quite an event that draws a considerable amount of spectators, local TV stations and a wide variety of photographers with an even wider assortment of equipment.
The boys that participate are quite skinny compared to their professional counterparts, its very fun to watch and the crowd is very lively with their support for the youngsters.

[@treismac]

Why is it called "Crow Sumo"?

[@Kyotodreamtrips]

treismac actually I don’t know, although the crow is the emblem of this shrine and sacred.

[@treismac]

@@Kyotodreamtrips Thanks for the reply. :)