The fall of Galsone

Until recently, no-one on the Japanese women's competitive eating circuit could touch skinny, bleach-blonde kogal Galsone. More concerned with primping and posing for the camera, she made the speed-feeding seem effortless - a literal giggle. But watching the latest televised competition recorded for me by my sis, it's obvious the frontrunner has been caught by the pack. Galsone didn't win a single event, broke down in tears at one point and failed to reach the final.

I've decided to detail the stages here, so curious parties can marvel at just how much these hungry ladies consume. Bear in mind that there's always a time limit, eg. 45 minutes, although the medical supervisor can call an early halt to proceedings if a competitor is in distress. Contestants are allowed to utilise any seasoning, condiment or beverage they wish. In the case of soups, only the meat, vegetables, mushrooms and noodles must be munched. A judge checks the remaining broth with a strainer before allowing the eater to receive her next bowl. The women feast at a long table, but occasionally stand in their seats to do a "Kobayashi Shake" to assist the movement of the food.

Stage #1: Croissants with custard and fresh strawberries
The winner ate 38 pastries (3.8kg).

Stage #2: Spiral sausages on sticks
Top: 31 (4.03kg)

Stage #3: Indeterminate rice dish with seaweed and eel(?)
Top: 44 bowls (8.8kg)

Stage #4: Crumbed prawns
Top: 27 plates of three (4.4kg)
Galsone starts sobbing when she believes she won't make the cut, but rallies and squeaks through.

Stage #5: Steak
Top: 28 (5.6kg)
Galsone eliminated.

Stage #6: Pork(?) ramen
Top: 20 bowls (no weight given)
Galsone reinvented as a roving reporter.
A new queen - a 44-year-old with short black hair, glasses and kinda gaunt features - is crowned.

Unlike male gurgitators, who pay no heed to the mess they make, the younger women cover their mouths politely while chewing, dab their lips with napkins and check their make-up in their compact mirrors. Hearing one greet her 20th plate with a cry of "Oishii!" (delicious) is bizarre.