An interesting rule holds that if one side cries out, ‘The teacher’s coming!’ the opposing team must sit on their heels or pretend to be sleeping in their futons for 10 seconds. During that time, the caller’s team can fetch pillows from the opponent’s area to use for their offense.

Now these pillow fights have even developed into a competitive sport. In Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, a pillow fight competition called Zen Nippon Makura Nage Taikai in Ito Onsen (All-Japan pillow fight championship at Ito Onsen hot spring resort) is now held each February.

The fifth event took place on Feb. 18 and 19. Of the 84 teams from across the nation that applied for the general section, 48 were selected by lot to participate. In additon to these, nine teams competed in the children’s section, and a total of about 450 players took part in this fierce contest.

The Ito city government and the Ito City Tourist Association have organized the event since 2013 in an effort to promote Ito’s hot springs resorts and other attractions and revitalize the city. The rules are based on those developed by students at the Jogasaki branch of Ito High School.

Each side comprises a total of six to eight players — a captain, called taisho in Japanese; a main group of players, including the libero, who specializes in defense; and one to three support players who fetch pillows tossed from the match area.

Matches are held in a gymnasium. At the sound of a whistle, players tucked into futons and wearing yukata jump up and begin hurling pillows at their opponents like in dodge ball.

If a player is hit by a pillow, they must go to a futon outside the match area. Catching a pillow is prohibited.

One set lasts two minutes. If a captain is hit by a pillow, the set is over. The first team to win two sets wins the match. … (read more)

via The Japan News