Japanese Cadets Take Part in Annual ‘Topple the Pole’ Competition
Luckily, no one was injured.
Hundreds of members from Japan’s National Defense Academy took part in one of the country’s biggest and greatest spectacles – the “Topple the Pole” event Sunday.
“Topple the Pole,” which is known as Bo-taoshi in the country, is over a century old and combines elements of sumo wrestling, martial arts and rugby scrums as cadets battle one another to defend or attack a pole.
Bo-taoshi is designed to promote teamwork, toughness and strength. The teams are made up of 150 people and divided into two squads – one for attacking, another for defending. The defending team holds up the pole, which ranges in height from 10 to 16 feet, with a man on top of it, as the attacking squad tries to topple it.
In order to win, the pole must be lowered to a 30-degree angle off the ground.
Players wear little to no protection; one of the more common types of protective gear is a rugby scrum helmet. Severe injuries are common and some schools have even banned the sport from being played.
There is no trophy or monetary prize, just bragging rights.
Sunday's event saw no injuries, though the academy had medical emergency staff waiting in the wings just in case.
RELATED STORIES
Trending on Inside Edition

Golden Bachelor' Scandal: Gerry Turner Dumped Ex After 10lb. Weight Gain, Forced Her to Move to Motel: Report
Entertainment
Woman Found Dead at Bottom of Garbage Chute After Company Party, Police Do Not Expect Foul Play
News
New York City School Bus Driver Kidnapped and Raped Student on Bus and at His Home, Alleges Prosecutor
Crime
Graphic Crime Scene Photos Released in Murder Case of 13-Year-Old Accused of Stabbing to Death Mom
Crime
Ohio Man on His Deathbed Reveals to Wife and Daughter He Was a Fugitive Who Robbed a Bank
Human Interest
Florida Woman, 22, Posed as Teen and Sexually Assaulted Minor 30 Times, Sent Classmates His Sex Tape: Police
Crime