The National Rhinoceros Beetle Sumo Championship was held the other day in Yamagata Prefecture:

Mainichi’s article about the competition states that the final sumo match ended when one of the beetles flew out a window and disappeared, a moment that is unfortunately not found in this video clip.

Around 430 elementary school students took part with their beetles. The winner of each match is determined by which beetle makes it highest up the 70-centimeter pole forming the arena after 60 seconds.

During the final “King Kabuto,” owned by Takuma Kobayashi, 7, started out very strongly; but finally chose freedom over honor at the last moment, leaving “King Joe,” along with owner Shoichiro Ito, 6, to scoop the prize.

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