The world’s biggest Tug-of-War was held once again in Naha City on October 11, 2015. The rope begins in two halves, stretched along the center of Highway 58. Banners are carried along Kokusai Street and then held aloft between the ropes. Representatives of the East and West sections of the rope perform karate kata. Firecrackers are lit deafening those close.

After speeches from the Governor of Okinawa, and this year the Governor of Hawaii. The ropes are dragged together.

The ends of the ropes are designed to loop one over the other.

Numerous men with poles push the ropes as they are drawn together until they are intertwined.

The giant wooden connecting pin is then brought to the rope.

Around a dozen men hep lift the pin and thread it through the rope.

Although it does take a little wiggling.

Once the pin is in the ropes are drawn apart locking the pin in place.

The kings of the East and West are carried along the rope then challenge each other to battle.

Karate masters from East and West meet atop the center of the rope to trade (gentle) blows.

The tug-of-war begins.

Pull!

Pull!

As the rope moves towards the east, officials use a tape measure to check on progress.

East is declared the winner.

After brief celebrations the outer part of the rope is cut up into souvenirs of the event.

Young and old head home with a little piece of straw rope and great memories of the day.