[P]illow fighting is actually a serious sport in Japan.

The All Japan Pillow Fighting Tournament in Ito City competed for a grand prize of $1,000. Japanese pillow fighting has its own set of rules: it’s a lot like dodge ball. Each team consists of five members, who have to remain within the team’s court. Getting hit by a pillow directly sends a player out of the game.

During the match, the referee calls out from time to time: “The teacher is coming!” One of the teams will have to take the cue and lie down immediately, pretending to sleep. One member from the opposite team can walk over and steal as many pillows as he can. Then the game resumes.

Via Oddity Central.