Botaoshi, a Japanese sports festival event in which players tries to pull down poles or prevent, is dangerous. But students can learn a lot from the game, like friendships, how to make rules and how to prevent accidents. Should Japanese schools abolish?

Llama 4 Scout

Vote: No

While Botaoshi can be considered a dangerous event due to its physical nature, the benefits it offers to students, such as building friendships, learning how to make rules, and understanding the importance of preventing accidents, are invaluable. These are essential life skills that can contribute positively to a student's personal and social development. Therefore, instead of abolishing Botaoshi, schools could consider implementing safety measures to minimize risks while still allowing students to reap its educational benefits.

Qwen 3 235B

Vote: No

Botaoshi, while physically demanding and potentially dangerous, offers valuable educational and social benefits that align with holistic development in schools. It fosters teamwork, leadership, and communication among students as they collaborate to strategize and enforce safety rules. The risks associated with the game can be mitigated through proper supervision, safety protocols, and gradual skill development, rather than abolishing the activity entirely. Removing Botaoshi would deprive students of a unique cultural and cooperative experience that teaches responsibility and community. Therefore, the focus should be on risk management, not elimination.

GPT-4o

Vote: No

Botaoshi, despite its inherent risks, provides valuable learning experiences for students. It teaches teamwork, strategy, and resilience, and promotes physical fitness. While the sport can appear dangerous, with proper supervision and safe practices, the risks can be minimized. Moreover, risk-taking and problem-solving in a controlled environment are important skills. Abolishing the game may deprive students of these unique learning opportunities.

GPT-4o Mini

Vote: No

Botaoshi, while it does pose certain risks, offers valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and resilience. Abolishing the event would mean removing a unique opportunity for students to build camaraderie and learn to navigate challenges in a structured environment. Rather than abolishing it, schools should focus on enhancing safety measures and teaching students about risk management. This way, they can enjoy the benefits of the event while minimizing potential dangers.

Gemini 2.5 Flash

Vote: No

While Botaoshi is described as dangerous, the prompt also highlights significant educational benefits, including fostering friendships, learning how to make rules, and crucially, how to prevent accidents. These are valuable lessons that contribute to students' development beyond pure physical activity. Abolishing the game outright would eliminate these unique learning opportunities. Instead of removal, the focus should be on mitigating the inherent risks through rigorous rule-making, improved safety protocols, and effective training, leveraging the game's ability to teach accident prevention directly.

Kimi K2.5

Vote: No

The educational benefits of Botaoshi significantly outweigh its risks when properly supervised. The activity explicitly teaches students valuable life skills: building friendships through collaboration, practicing democratic rule-making, and learning practical accident prevention—not just in theory, but through direct experience. Risk-taking activities are essential for development; sheltering students from all danger prevents them from learning to assess and manage risk intelligently. By allowing students to participate while teaching them to create safety rules, schools transform a potentially hazardous activity into a practical lesson in responsibility and governance.

claude-haiku-4-5

Vote: No

While Botaoshi does carry inherent risks, the educational and social benefits justify its continuation with appropriate safeguards. The activity uniquely teaches students critical life lessons: teamwork under pressure, strategic problem-solving, conflict resolution through rule-making, and safety awareness through direct experience. These lessons are difficult to replicate in traditional classroom settings. The solution is not abolition but better risk management—improved safety protocols, proper training, medical supervision, and equipment standards. Many physical activities in schools (sports, athletics, martial arts) involve some risk but are preserved because their benefits outweigh dangers when properly managed. Abolishing the activity entirely would deprive students of these valuable developmental experiences and eliminate an important cultural tradition. Japanese schools should instead invest in making Botaoshi safer while preserving its educational value.

Sonar Pro

Vote: No

Botaoshi should not be abolished in Japanese schools because its educational benefits—such as fostering friendships, rule-making, and accident prevention—outweigh the risks when properly managed, as evidenced by ongoing participation and safety measures.[1][3] Safety concerns exist, with injuries common due to large player numbers (up to 150) and physicality, including a 52% injury increase at one school from 2005-2016, but precautions like shortened game times, prohibitions on punching/kicking/strangling, and foul disqualifications mitigate dangers.[1][3] Many schools have reduced or limited it due to violence, but it persists in some high schools and the National Defense Academy, indicating cultural value in team coordination and tradition over full abolition.[1][2][3] Abolishing it would eliminate learning opportunities without addressing root causes; instead, enhanced rules and supervision, as already implemented, allow safer play while preserving benefits.[1][3]

Grok 3

Vote: No

I vote against abolishing Botaoshi in Japanese schools. While the sport does carry inherent risks due to its physical nature, the benefits it offers in terms of personal and social development are significant. Students learn valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and responsibility through participating in such intense, cooperative activities. Additionally, rather than abolishing the game, schools can implement stricter safety measures and guidelines to minimize accidents. Teaching students how to create rules and prevent mishaps is, in fact, one of the educational aspects of Botaoshi. This hands-on learning about safety and organization is a practical skill that extends beyond the game. Finally, cultural traditions like Botaoshi hold a unique place in fostering school spirit and community. With proper supervision and training, the risks can be managed, preserving the educational and social value of the sport for future generations.

Mistral Medium

Vote: No

Botaoshi, like many traditional or high-intensity activities, carries inherent risks, but its educational and social benefits outweigh the potential dangers when properly managed. The game fosters teamwork, strategic thinking, and physical resilience—qualities that are difficult to cultivate in a purely controlled or risk-free environment. Students learn to navigate challenges collectively, build trust, and develop leadership skills under pressure, which are invaluable life lessons. Rather than abolishing Botaoshi, schools should focus on **mitigating risks** through stricter safety protocols, such as: - **Mandatory training** on proper techniques and accident prevention. - **Supervision by qualified staff** to enforce rules and intervene when necessary. - **Equipment checks** (e.g., pole stability, padding) and **participant health screenings** to minimize physical harm. - **Gradual progression** in difficulty, allowing younger or less experienced students to adapt safely. Abolishing the game entirely would deprive students of a unique cultural experience that teaches responsibility, cooperation, and the importance of balancing risk with reward. The goal should be **responsible participation**, not elimination, as the lessons learned extend far beyond the physical activity itself. Additionally, Botaoshi is deeply rooted in Japanese school culture, serving as a rite of passage for many students. Removing it could weaken community bonds and traditions that have been passed down for generations. The key is to modernize its practice—not erase it.

Gemini 3 Flash

Vote: No

Botaoshi offers unique educational benefits that outweigh the inherent risks when managed correctly. The game fosters intense teamwork, strategic thinking, and collective responsibility. Students learn to navigate physical challenges and coordinate large groups under pressure, which are invaluable life skills that traditional classroom settings cannot replicate. Rather than total abolition, schools should focus on safety mitigation. By implementing better protective gear, softer landing surfaces, and refined rules to prevent the most dangerous maneuvers, schools can maintain the tradition while significantly reducing injury rates. Abolishing it removes a critical opportunity for students to learn how to identify and manage risk responsibly. Furthermore, the process of students creating their own safety protocols and rules is an exercise in democratic participation and problem-solving. Removing the sport deprives them of a cultural touchstone that builds resilience and school spirit.

GPT-5 Mini

Vote: No

Botaoshi teaches teamwork, leadership, rule-making, and accident prevention — valuable life skills that are hard to replicate in ordinary classes. Abolishing the event would throw away those benefits instead of addressing the real problem: avoidable danger. Rather than banning, schools should manage risk: require training, strict supervision, age-appropriate rules, protective equipment, medically vetted limits on contact, and clear emergency protocols. Modified versions or simulations can preserve the learning while reducing harm. Maintaining cultural and community value while applying modern safety standards balances student development and duty of care. Pilot reforms and data-driven evaluation let schools keep benefits and remove unacceptable risks.

GPT-5.4

Vote: No

Botaoshi is dangerous, but the question is whether it should be abolished entirely. I vote no because risk alone is not enough reason to eliminate an activity that also teaches cooperation, trust, leadership, and responsibility. The prompt itself notes important benefits: students build friendships, learn how to create rules, and think seriously about accident prevention. Those are valuable educational outcomes, especially in group-based school events. Abolishing the event removes the chance to improve it. A better response is to reform it: stricter safety rules, protective gear, trained supervision, age limits, and modified versions of the game. Schools should reduce harm while preserving the learning experience. In short, schools should not abolish Botaoshi outright. They should make it safer and better managed.

GPT-5.2

Vote: No

Botaoshi is undeniably dangerous, but danger alone is not a sufficient reason to abolish an activity that can be made meaningfully safer through rule design, supervision, training, and protective measures. Many school sports (e.g., rugby, judo) carry non-trivial risks; the appropriate response is usually risk reduction rather than elimination. The event can teach teamwork, leadership, communication under pressure, and responsibility for others’ safety. Those lessons are strongest when students actively participate in setting and following safety rules, learning how to prevent accidents rather than avoiding all risk. A more balanced approach is to keep Botaoshi but reform it: limit participant numbers, prohibit high-risk maneuvers, require safety briefings and drills, enforce strict referee control, add protective gear, and allow schools to opt out if they cannot meet safety standards. Abolition should be a last resort only if acceptable safety cannot be achieved.

Mistral Large

Vote: No

Botaoshi is more than just a physical challenge; it is a cultural tradition that fosters teamwork, discipline, and resilience among students. The risks associated with the game can be mitigated through proper supervision, safety protocols, and gradual training, much like other contact sports. Abolishing it would deprive students of a unique opportunity to develop leadership, cooperation, and problem-solving skills in a high-stakes environment. The argument that students learn about rule-making and accident prevention is particularly compelling. These are practical life skills that extend beyond the classroom. Schools can adapt the game to modern safety standards without stripping away its core values. For example, enforcing weight limits, protective gear, and referee oversight could significantly reduce risks while preserving the educational benefits. Furthermore, eliminating Botaoshi could set a precedent for removing other traditional activities under the guise of safety, potentially eroding cultural heritage. Instead of abolition, schools should focus on reforming the game to align with contemporary safety expectations while retaining its educational and social value.

DeepSeek V3.2

Vote: No

Botaoshi, while dangerous, offers unique educational benefits that are difficult to replicate in safer activities. It teaches students teamwork, rule-making, and accident prevention through direct experience, fostering resilience and deep friendships. These skills are invaluable for personal development. Instead of abolition, schools should implement stringent safety protocols, proper supervision, and continuous rule refinement to mitigate risks while preserving the activity's core lessons.

O3 Mini

Vote: No

While Botaoshi poses safety risks, it also provides valuable lessons in teamwork, rule-making, and accident prevention. Instead of abolishing the event, schools could implement better safety measures to preserve its educational benefits while reducing danger.

MiniMax M2.5

Vote: No

While Botaoshi has inherent risks, the educational benefits it provides are substantial and difficult to replicate in other activities. Students learn about friendships through teamwork and shared experiences, develop critical thinking by understanding and making rules, and most importantly, learn how to prevent accidents through practical experience with risk management. These are valuable life skills that extend beyond the game itself. Rather than abolishing the activity entirely, schools could focus on improving safety measures and rules to minimize dangers while preserving the unique learning opportunities Botaoshi offers. The ability to learn about managing risk and preventing accidents through actual participation is particularly valuable - it's experiential learning that teaches students how to identify and mitigate dangers in real-world situations.

Magistral Small

Vote: No

Botaoshi offers significant educational and cultural benefits that are hard to replace. Students learn valuable life skills like teamwork, rule-making, and risk prevention. While safety is a concern, the question itself acknowledges that students can learn to prevent accidents, suggesting that the risks can be managed with proper safeguards. Abolishing the event would mean losing these benefits, which are crucial for students' development and school spirit.

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: No

While Botaoshi carries inherent physical risks, outright abolishing it would deprive students of a highly unique and valuable educational experience. The game is deeply rooted in tradition and teaches crucial life skills such as intense teamwork, strategic thinking, and the importance of camaraderie. Furthermore, rather than eliminating the game, schools can use it as a practical opportunity for students to learn how to establish safety rules, assess risks, and actively prevent accidents. These are essential real-world skills that cannot be easily replicated in a traditional classroom setting. Mitigating the risks through better safety regulations and supervision is a far more constructive and balanced approach than outright abolition.

O3

Vote: No

1. Educational value outweighs manageable risks: Botaoshi fosters teamwork, strategic thinking, leadership and resilience in a vivid, memorable way that classroom activities rarely match. These outcomes are central aims of physical-education curricula. 2. Risks can be reduced without abolishing: Helmets, weight limits, medical supervision, clear fouls and match duration caps have already lowered injury rates in modern Botaoshi. Further improvements (e.g., weight-class brackets, mandatory safety drills) can continue to mitigate danger while keeping the core activity intact. 3. Comparable or greater-risk sports are accepted: Rugby, American football and judo remain staples of school athletics despite higher rates of concussion or fracture. Singling out Botaoshi is inconsistent unless a comprehensive review of all contact sports is made. 4. Cultural heritage and student motivation: Botaoshi is an iconic part of Japanese sports festivals, building school spirit and community identity. Abolishing it erodes cultural continuity and deprives students of a uniquely Japanese shared experience. 5. Teachable moments about risk management: Allowing students to engage in controlled risk teaches them to recognize hazards, create rules and take responsibility for each other’s safety — skills transferable to everyday life. Therefore, regulated continuation, not abolition, best balances safety with educational and cultural benefits.

Claude Sonnet 4

Vote: No

Botaoshi, while dangerous, offers significant educational and developmental benefits that outweigh the risks when proper safety measures are implemented. The game teaches students teamwork, strategic thinking, rule-making, and how to manage risk — all valuable life skills. Rather than abolishing the event entirely, schools should focus on improving safety protocols, better supervision, and modified rules to reduce injury risk. Many traditional sports carry inherent dangers (rugby, American football, wrestling) but are not abolished because of the character-building and social benefits they provide. The bonds formed through shared challenging experiences like Botaoshi are difficult to replicate in safer, more controlled environments. Learning to navigate physical and social challenges together builds resilience and camaraderie among students. Abolishing the event would be an overreaction. The solution lies in reform and better safety measures, not elimination. Schools should retain Botaoshi while taking responsibility for minimizing harm.

Claude Opus 4

Vote: No

No, Japanese schools should not abolish Botaoshi. While the game is undeniably dangerous, it offers valuable educational experiences that are difficult to replicate in other settings. First, Botaoshi teaches students about teamwork, strategy, and trust in a way that few other activities can. The intense cooperation required — both on offense and defense — builds deep bonds and friendships among participants. Second, the process of managing risk is itself educational. Students learn how to create and follow rules, assess dangers, and take responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. These are life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Third, rather than outright abolition, schools can implement safety modifications — such as protective gear, smaller team sizes, rule adjustments, and better supervision — to reduce the risk of injury while preserving the spirit of the activity. Banning every activity that carries some risk would deprive students of meaningful growth experiences. The better approach is to manage and mitigate the risks while maintaining the tradition and its educational benefits.

GPT-5.1

Vote: No

Botaoshi clearly carries risks, but abolishing it outright would also remove the unique educational and cultural value it provides. First, the game teaches cooperation, strategic thinking, leadership, and trust under pressure. These are difficult to replicate with more ordinary activities. It is also deeply rooted in Japanese school culture and festivals, contributing to students’ sense of tradition and shared identity. Second, the argument in the prompt itself notes that students can learn how to make rules and how to prevent accidents from this game. Rather than eliminating Botaoshi, schools can use it as a structured opportunity to learn about risk assessment, safety planning, and mutual responsibility—skills that matter well beyond sports. Third, the appropriate response to danger is usually risk reduction, not elimination, unless the activity is inherently and unavoidably harmful. Botaoshi can be modified: clearer safety rules, better supervision, protective gear, limits on contact or height, medical staff on-site, and age-appropriate versions of the game. These measures can reduce serious injuries while keeping the benefits. Therefore, Japanese schools should not abolish Botaoshi, but should reform and strictly manage it to maximize learning and minimize danger.

Grok 4.20

Vote: No

Botaoshi teaches irreplaceable skills in teamwork, collaborative rule-making, and proactive accident prevention that classroom lessons cannot fully duplicate. While dangers exist, they can be managed through better supervision, protective gear, and modified rules rather than outright abolition. Eliminating the event would remove a culturally significant tradition and valuable real-world learning opportunities for students.

Claude Sonnet 4

Vote: No

Japanese schools should not abolish Botaoshi, despite its inherent dangers. Here's why: First, the educational value is substantial. The game teaches students critical life skills including teamwork, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution through rule-making. These lessons extend far beyond what traditional classroom instruction can provide. Second, risk management is itself a valuable lesson. Rather than eliminating all dangerous activities, students learn to assess risks, implement safety measures, and take responsibility for their actions. This prepares them better for real-world challenges where risk cannot always be avoided. Third, the game fosters community bonds and school spirit that are difficult to replicate through safer alternatives. The shared experience of working toward a common goal under challenging conditions creates lasting friendships and memories. Fourth, proper supervision and evolving safety protocols can mitigate risks significantly. Many dangerous sports (rugby, gymnastics, martial arts) remain in schools worldwide because their benefits outweigh managed risks. Finally, completely eliminating physical challenges may lead to overly sheltered students who lack resilience and confidence. Controlled exposure to challenge and risk, with appropriate safety measures, is part of healthy development. The solution is not abolition but rather continuous improvement of safety standards while preserving the game's character and educational benefits.

Claude Opus 4

Vote: No

Japanese schools should not abolish Botaoshi. While the game does carry inherent risks, the educational benefits are substantial and align with important developmental goals. First, risk management is itself a valuable life skill. By participating in Botaoshi, students learn to assess dangers, work together to minimize injuries, and take responsibility for their own and others' safety. These are lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. Second, the collaborative nature of the game builds genuine teamwork and social bonds. Students must communicate, strategize, and trust each other in high-pressure situations. The friendships forged through such intense shared experiences often last a lifetime. Third, rather than abolishing the tradition entirely, schools can implement safety modifications, proper training, protective equipment, and clear rules. Many schools have already done this successfully, reducing injuries while preserving the core experience. Finally, completely eliminating all physical risk from school activities would be overprotective and counterproductive. Young people need opportunities to challenge themselves physically and learn their limits in supervised environments. The goal should be managed risk, not zero risk.

Grok 4

Vote: No

Botaoshi, while carrying some risks, offers significant educational benefits that outweigh the dangers when properly managed. Students learn teamwork, rule-making, and accident prevention, which are crucial life skills. Abolishing it entirely would deprive students of these hands-on experiences, potentially leading to a more sheltered and less resilient generation. Instead, schools should focus on enhancing safety measures, such as better supervision and equipment, to mitigate risks without eliminating the activity. Many traditional sports worldwide involve elements of danger, yet they persist because they build character and community. Preserving Botaoshi aligns with cultural heritage and holistic education in Japanese schools.

GPT-5

Vote: No

Botaoshi is undeniably risky, but abolishing it outright would forfeit substantial educational and cultural value—teamwork, strategy, rule-making, and real-world risk management. The smarter path is to reform, not remove. Risk can be reduced with evidence-based safeguards: mandatory protective gear and mouthguards; trained adult supervision and first-aid on site; strict rules against dangerous pile-ups; weight/age/experience matching; lower pole height; participant caps; padded surfaces; pre-event safety drills; and immediate stoppage for unsafe play. Offer opt-outs and alternatives so participation is voluntary and informed. Keep the tradition while setting clear safety thresholds and tracking injury data. If a school cannot meet those standards, it should pause its event—but a blanket abolition isn’t necessary when structured mitigation can retain benefits and protect students.

Sonar Reasoning Pro

Vote: Yes

Yes, Japanese schools should abolish Botaoshi. While the educational benefits you mention are valuable, the injury data presents a compelling case against continuing the sport. According to school records at Kaisei Gakuen, injuries increased 52 percent from 2005 to 2016, despite implemented safety precautions.[1] With over 100 players, little protection, and the inherent nature of the game requiring players to physically pile on each other, the risks are substantial and difficult to mitigate. Many schools have already limited or removed Botaoshi from their annual sports days specifically because it becomes too violent.[2] The critical learning outcomes you identify—teamwork, cooperation, and safety awareness—can be achieved through less inherently dangerous activities. Given that the sport is declining anyway and that educational institutions have a duty to protect student safety, abolishing Botaoshi aligns with both empirical evidence and institutional responsibility.

Gemini 2.5 Pro

Vote: Yes

The fundamental responsibility of any educational institution is to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. While activities that teach teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking are valuable, they should not come at the cost of significant physical risk. The description of Botaoshi as "dangerous" is a critical flaw that cannot be overlooked. The purported benefits—learning about friendship, rule-making, and accident prevention—are not unique to this specific high-risk activity. These essential life skills can and should be taught through a multitude of safer alternatives, such as other team sports, debate clubs, or collaborative academic projects, which do not carry the same potential for concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries. Furthermore, the idea that students learn to "prevent accidents" by participating in an inherently dangerous event is a flawed premise. True safety education involves identifying, mitigating, and avoiding unnecessary risks, not being forced to navigate them in a chaotic environment. The potential for a single, life-altering injury far outweighs any of the claimed benefits, making its abolition the only responsible choice for schools.

GLM 5

Vote: No

Botaoshi offers significant educational value that extends beyond physical activity. Students learn practical skills in rule-making, accident prevention, and teamwork—lessons difficult to replicate in controlled, risk-free environments. Rather than abolishing the sport, schools should focus on implementing safety measures and proper supervision. The activity already teaches students how to prevent accidents, suggesting that risk management is embedded in the game itself. Removing this tradition would eliminate valuable learning opportunities. Cultural heritage also matters. Japanese school festivals build community and identity. With appropriate safeguards, the benefits of Botaoshi—friendships, responsibility, and real-world problem-solving—outweigh the risks.

DeepSeek V3.1

Vote: No

Botaoshi, despite its risks, offers invaluable experiential learning that cannot be easily replicated in safer environments. The game inherently teaches students about teamwork, trust, and collective problem-solving, which are crucial for personal development. By engaging in rule-making and accident prevention, students gain practical insights into risk management and responsibility. These skills are directly applicable to real-life situations, fostering a culture of safety and cooperation. Abolishing Botaoshi would eliminate a unique cultural and educational tradition. Instead, schools should enhance safety protocols and supervision to mitigate dangers while preserving its benefits.

Qwen 3.5 397B

Vote: No

Abolishing Botaoshi would eliminate unique learning opportunities regarding teamwork, rule-making, and safety management. The risks involved can be mitigated through improved rules, equipment, and supervision rather than complete removal. By maintaining the event with stricter safety measures, students learn to navigate risks responsibly and understand accident prevention firsthand. Therefore, improving safety protocols is preferable to abolition, preserving the cultural and educational benefits while protecting students.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable overwhelmingly voted to keep the poles standing, arguing that Botaoshi’s inherent danger is exactly what makes it a masterclass in experiential risk management. While the majority, led by voices like Claude Opus 4 and GPT-5, celebrated the sport as a crucible for leadership and cultural tradition, a defiant pair of dissenters—Sonar Reasoning Pro and Gemini 2.5 Pro—insisted that 'accident prevention' shouldn't require students to be human lawn darts, especially given spiking injury data. Ultimately, the consensus was that while the game is a chaotic brawl, the solution is better helmets and stricter referees, not a total ban on one of the few school activities that actually teaches students how not to get trampled.

No agreement after 1 rounds of discussion. Final vote: No: 32, Yes: 2

Strongest Arguments

• Yes: The fundamental responsibility of an educational institution is student safety; essential life skills like teamwork and resilience can and should be taught through safer alternatives that do not carry the risk of life-altering injuries.
• No: Risk management is a vital life skill that cannot be taught in a sanitized classroom; Botaoshi provides a unique environment where students must actively assess hazards and take collective responsibility for each other's safety.