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The Naha Tug of War, a battle of strength and comradery, is making its triumphant full-scale return Sunday, Oct. 8.
Last year, the Guinness-certified event returned after a three-year hiatus, but with pandemic-era precautions that included crowd limits and a shortened rope. This year, however, the tug of war is coming back to its full-scale size.
The tug of war, along with Naha Dragon Boat Race and Shurijo Castle Festival, is recognized as one of city’s three major events and usually draws a crowd of 270,000 or more. Visitors battle it out at the lively event with a giant rope measuring 656 feet and weighing 40 tons.
Route 58, arguably the busiest street in Okinawa, will be the stage for this big-time game Oct. 8. The lead up to the war includes festivities to entertain you and your family.
Starting at 11:30 a.m., catch the procession of locals marching down Kokusai Street with 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.
The main rope of Naha Tug of War is composed of two parts with a 5-foot diameter, which will be assigned to “Team East” and “Team West.” respectively. But before the two teams compete against each other, they need to work together first.
Following tradition, the two parts are manually jointed on site, which normally takes support from both sides. By pulling smaller and thinner ropes attached to the big ones, people on both teams nudge their main ropes to the right position where loops at the end of the two main ropes will be joined with an 805-pound bar. The Naha Tug of War is just as much a collaboration to build something big as a competition to beat the other side.
When the two ropes are combined, they amount to 650 feet in length and 40 tons in weight, which takes around 15,000 pullers. The tug of war usually takes place around 4 p.m.
Whether you choose to be on the East or West side, 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). Homage to the history will be seen in many parts of the presentation. The labarum carriers will be dressed in traditional attire, and shortly before the tug of war kicks off, locals dressed as historical figures of Okinawa will march on the giant rope to give a historical angle to the battle.
The tug 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 event.
According to the organizer of the event, 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 for good luck.
Packed with so many features, a day at the Naha Tug of War can let you cross borders, have a glimpse into the past, touch the dynamic energy of the present, and prospect for the future.
Naha Tug of War
Date: Oct. 8 (Sunday)
Location: Kumoji Intersection on Route 58
GPS coordinates: N 26.215820, E 127.678458
Schedule of events:
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Parade on Kokusai Street
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Route 58 between Matsuyama and Izumizaki intersections is closed to vehicles. Opening Ceremony, karate and drum performances, and joining of male (east), and female (west) ropes to take place before the tug of war that usually begins around 4 p.m.
*Tours are currently available from MCCS and Kadena ITT.
*There will also be Naha Ootsunahiki Matsui, a festival at Onoyama Athletic Park (26.204450, 127.676153) from Oct. 7 – Oct. 9 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. featuring live music, fireworks, and more.
