Passionate whistlers gathered at a concert hall in Kawasaki, a city south of Tokyo, on Sunday to compete in the World Whistlers Convention.

Fifty participants from six countries - Japan, India, Australia, Korea, the United States, and Venezuela - showcased their tunes to judges in the hopes of winning a first-prize trophy.

Some brought along their own musical instruments to accompany their whistling, but many kept it simple, using only their lips and a microphone.

Participants had to choose either a classical or pop tune no longer than four to five minutes, and no shorter than two, to prove their skills.

Judges listened closely for precision in pitch, rhythm, and tone quality, and deducted points for unnecessary breathing noises, or even inappropriate microphone height.

Though it is not the first of its kind, the World Whistlers Convention was held for the first time this year to support whistlers and promote the art of whistling.

Organizers said it will henceforth be held once every other year.

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