According to Wikipedia, The Naha Tug of War is the largest tug-of-war event in the world. I would certainly believe it. That was one big rope. We ventured down to Naha this afternoon to see what all the fuss was about. It was actually quite a sight to see. If you haven’t been yet, you should make it down there one of these years. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a couple photos from the day with you.
I told you it was a big rope!
One of the cutest things I saw down there was a group of kids practicing their tricks just like the big boys!
There’s actually quite a bit of waiting involved in tug-of-war. Everyone found a place and grabbed a stretch of rope about an hour before the actual tugging started. Like most Japanese festivals, there is quite a few rituals dictated by the culture. The last one, just before the start, includes a “king” being carried up and down the rope.
And after that, it’s time to pull! It’s at this point that the place turns into a giant mosh pit. Just plain craziness! Thousands of people pulling, thousands more milling around and cheering. This is about the only shot I got of the actual pulling because there was just no safe place to be with a toddler clinging to my leg! But I think you get the picture, right?
See anybody in there that you recognize?
And we got some pictures as well. Just not the typical “newborn” ones. She’s still cute as ever though! I can’t wait to see her again on her 3 month birthday!
show hide 2 comments