(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
One of Okinawa’s big festivals, the Naha Giant Tug-of-War, will be held this year on Oct. 13.
This is one of Naha’s three major festivals along with the Naha Dragon Boat Race and Shurijo Castle Festival. According to organizers, this event usually draws a crowd of 270,000 or more. This is the second year it’s been back at full capacity after restrictions and cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, an impressive 275,000 participants and spectators welcomed the event back to its full glory.
Route 58, arguably the busiest street in Okinawa, will be the stage for this big-time game. The lead up to the war includes festivities to entertain you and your family.
Starting at 11:30 a.m., a procession of locals will march down Kokusai Street with vertical banners to open the event. You can also enjoy karate demonstrations and firecrackers.
At 2:30 p.m., as the procession reaches Route 58, the main event will commence.
Before the competition can begin, the two teams participating work together to join the ropes according to tradition. Participants are divided into an east and west team and during the joining of the giant, 5-ft diameter rope, smaller ropes are attached to nudge it into the right position. Once that is accomplished, an 805-lb bar joins the ropes at the center.
The two ropes combined measure 650 feet in length and weigh about 40 tons, requiring about 15,000 people to pull and carry it.
Whichever side you choose, you will most likely be surrounded by people of various backgrounds; Okinawans, those from mainland Japan, Americans, tourists from Asian countries, and more. Once working side-by-side and chanting “Haaiya,” where you come from will not matter.
The Naha Tug-of-War is thought to have originally started in the 15th century during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 – 1879). You’ll see many homages to the history throughout the event, including labarum carries dressed in traditional attire and locals dressed like Okinawa’s historical figures.
The tug-of-war itself can be a heated competition. Sometimes, it takes almost half an hour to pick a winner. But a victory is not the only thing that motivates people toward the game.
According to organizers, people wish for peace, prosperity, health, and success as they pull the giant rope. Once the game is over, a significant portion of the rope will be cut into pieces, which participants can take as good luck charms.
The action-packed day at the tug of war offers a glimpse into the past, while also allowing you to feel the energy of the crowd in the present and to seek good luck for the future. You don’t want to miss this fun Okinawa event!
Naha Giant Tug-of-War
Date: Oct. 13 (Sun.)
Location: Kumoji Intersection on Route 58
GPS coordinates: N 26.215820, E 127.678458
Schedule of event:
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Parade on Kokusai Street
2:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Route 58 between Matsuyama and Izumizaki intersections is closed to vehicles. Ceremony, performances and joining of the rope start around 4 p.m.
*A tour is currently available from MCCS.
*There will also be Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri, a festival at Onoyama Athletic Park (26.204450, 127.676153) from Oct. 12 – Oct. 14 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. featuring live music, fireworks, and more.
