An onigiri speed-eating contest was held at Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture. During the said competition, a 28-year old man fell down while engaging in the said competition. Apparently, a number of onigiris were lodged in the throat of the participant. He was given medical attention promptly. However, the man passed away three days after he was taken to a health facility. The speed-eating contest held amid the “Friendship Festival” was run by Higashibiwako’s Japan Agricultural Cooperative. It is an occasion in which local farm products, including the Oumimai rice brand, a specialty of the prefecture are the main feature.
Fifteen people participated on the said occasion. Each participant was given five rice balls and a time limit of 3 minutes to finish eating them. The man caved before the audience after stuffing his fifth rice ball. Following the tragedy, manifestos were posted online by the organizers thanking the medical team and apologizing to the attendees for calling the event off. It was reported that coordinators had taken consideration of the members well-being, which is why amid the onigiri speed-eating, tea was made accessible for each individual who partook in the event. Experts say that speed-eaters have a high risk of damaging their stomach and esophagus.
Vocabulary:
lodged – [verb] make or become firmly fixed or embedded in a particular place
medicinal attention – [noun] providing medical and remedial care and services
health facility – [noun] a place that provides health care which includes hospitals, clinics and outpatient care centers
caved in – [verb] a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down
calling off – [verb] to cancel or abandon
amid – [preposition] in the middle of or during
True or False:
- A sushi eating contest was held last November 13.
- The man who collapsed during the event was 38 years old.
- There was no medical assistance given to the participant.
- There is a public notice made by the organizers.
- The event continued after the incident.
Defend your argument:
- Do you think that having speed-eating contest is a good way of promoting the local farm products? Why or why not?
- Do you think the organizers did enough preparations for the speed-eating contest? Why or why not?
- Do you think the organizers should be responsible on the incident? Why or why not?
- Do you think eating too fast is good for our body? Why or why not?
Express your opinion:
- Do you think competitive eating can be considered as a sport?
- Do you think it is healthy?
- What are the dangers speed contests such as this?