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Okinawa’s famous Naha Tug of War used to take place after dark. Bonfires, or “te,” were used to illuminate the event back then. Today, the event is hosted at around 4 p.m., drawing quite the crowd. Though the bonfire tradition may be over, the battle flag the competitors carry can still be lit on fire at the top — an homage to the event’s nocturnal beginnings.
