Guida
The Naha Giant Tug-of-War Festival is one of Okinawa's most iconic traditional celebrations, held annually during the three-day weekend including Sports Day at Oku Yama Park in Naha City. With a history dating back to the 17th century, it is considered one of the three great festivals of Naha, alongside the Naha Hari and Jurima. Formerly known as the 'Naha Festival,' it was renamed to its current title in 2011.
The main highlight is the 'Naha Giant Tug-of-War,' a Guinness World Record-scale event. Two teams, East and West, pull a massive rope approximately 200m long and weighing 40 tons. As the tug-of-war begins, a giant decorative ball (kusudama) is broken, releasing colorful confetti and balloons into the air.
Before the main event, you can witness the 'Sunei' parade, a majestic procession featuring 'Hatagashira' (traditional banners). These magnificent banners, standing 7 to 10 meters tall, are carried through the streets in a breathtaking display. The festival also offers a variety of entertainment, including traditional performing arts parades, stages with local musicians, and various activities for families.
The main event, the Giant Tug-of-War, takes place on October 13.
The main tug-of-war takes place near the Kumoji intersection on Route 58. It is a rare sight to see the median strip temporarily removed to accommodate the massive rope.
Related events or citizen festivals may also be held at Oku Yama Park.
This is a very open event where not only locals but also tourists and international visitors are welcome to participate. It is a rare chance to actually touch and pull the giant rope. After the event, participants can take home a piece of the rope (Edatsuna) during the 'Kareituna' ceremony as a charm for good health.
Large-scale traffic restrictions occur around the venue. Since heavy congestion is expected around Route 58, using public transportation is highly recommended. Please check the official website for more details.