NEW YORK -- A trio of gustatory gladiators from Japan out-gobbled all other international competitors at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest here Tuesday, sweeping the top three spots and reclaiming the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt.
The first prize winner, Kazutoyo Arai, 33, set a new world record, downing 25 1/8 franks and buns in 12 minutes. He was followed by Masao Fujita, who ate 24 hot dogs. Takako Akasaka, 45, the first female place winner in the contest's 85-year history, came in third with 22 1/4.
As his victory was announced, Arai, a bedding salesman from Saitama Prefecture, held his trophy belt high above his head as a cheering crowd of onlookers gathered on the boardwalk in Brooklyn's Coney Island.