When you think of snow, I think its only natural to think about snowballs. And I'm sure everyone that has ever experienced snowfall would have grabbed a handful and chucked it at their nearest friend. 

Of course, trust the Japanese to turn it into a sport. Yukigassen, which translates to 'snow battle'. 

In concept, yukigassen doesn't actually sound all that complicated. It's basically a mix of capture-the-flag and dodgeball, except with snowballs. Kids all around the world have probably played some version of such a game, minus the snow. 

Expectedly, the Japanese take it to another level. A Rules Committee, an official snowball maker, and now even a world championship. It's wild to think that this year's tournament, held last month, is the 36th edition! And the game has gone international - there's even a European Championship Snowball Competition. They even want to get into the Olympics! And all that because a volcano erupted and they needed a new tourism draw. 

While it may seem quite brutal (you're literally hurling hard objects at each other) and you might expect a degree of savagery, other Japanisms are present. Players can be penalised for behaving "disrespectfully to the referees or the opponents", or "using violence" (from the official rule book). They bow to the court before the game commences, because of course they do. 

And of course, there are mascots. 

Stay weird, Japan.