Hot Dogs a Japanese Specialty

By Stephen M. Silverman

11/19/1997 at 12:00 AM EST

Persistence proved a greater advantage than girth: Kazutoyo Arai, 32, who weighs a mere 100 pounds, led what is being called a Japanese sweep of Tuesday's 85th annual July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan's Famous in Coney Island. Arai, who was also the 1997 champ, downed a record 25 dogs in 12 minutes. The runner-up was Misao Fujita, 24, who, as it happened, ate 24 hot dogs. Their teammate, Takako Akasaka, 22, the lone female contestant, placed third -- with 22. Do you think age has anything to do with it?