Naha Great Tug-of-War

Held every October in central Naha, this historic event claims a long heritage of participatory welcome and an esteemed origin dating near 1450. Today, it consists of two main parts: the Hatagashira Parade along Kokusai Street and the Great Tug-of-War at the Kumoji Intersection on National Route 58.

It’s showtime after dark, launched by the evening unveiling of the Guinness World Record-certified giant rope. The rope is hand crafted each year at a walloping weigh-in around 40 tons, drawing participants on two teams of east and west in an epic tug-of-war.

Open welcome to join as pullers extends to all on the day of the event. Even just as a spectator, most won’t soon forget the fantastic thrill of thousands of people banding around for a chance at the pull. The contest is decided when one side manages to move the rope more than five meters within 30 minutes. After the winner is declared, everyone celebrates together with Okinawa’s traditional hand dance, kachaashii.