Japan, Okinawa, Pentax 645D, Photography
Comments 3

Naha Tug of War – The Rope

Route 58 is closed, crowds gather, ceremonial karate and standard bearing.

The two huge ropes are dragged together

The looped end of one rope is pushed over the looped end of the other.

A wooden pin is threaded though the loop to fasten the ropes together

The rope is straightened and Ryukyu Kings are carried along its length.

Balloons cascade down on the revelers below.

The two teams pull for victory

The two sides are evenly matched. The rope doesn't move. A draw!

3 Comments

  1. Katharine's avatar
    Katharine says

    I know it’s a big rope but what is the actual length & diameter of the rope?

    • travel67's avatar

      The total length of the rope is about 200 meters. I’ve read it weighs about 40 tons, costs about US$ 170,000 to make and around 15,000 people take part in the event.

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