What Is the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival — The Guinness-Certified World Record Event
The Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival (Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri) is held every October during the Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi) long weekend in central Naha, Okinawa, making it the city's largest festival across three action-packed days. The highlight is the massive tug-of-war registered in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest tug-of-war using a natural fiber rope. The rope stretches approximately 200 meters long, weighs roughly 40 tons, and has a diameter of about 1.58 meters. Around 15,000 participants divide into East (Agari) and West (Iri) teams to pull, while approximately 270,000 spectators pack the streets. The rope requires about 1,500 tons of straw and takes Naha citizens roughly two months to weave by hand.
.jpg)
The Naha Great Tug-of-War is far more than an event. It is a traditional ceremony with over 560 years of history dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, a sacred ritual praying for abundant harvests and peace, and a symbol of postwar revival. Every October, Route 58 near the Kumoji intersection is completely closed to traffic and two enormous ropes are laid across the road — one of the most overwhelming moments you can witness in Okinawa.
History — A 560-Year Tradition from the Ryukyu Kingdom Since 1450
The origins of the Naha Great Tug-of-War trace back to 1450, during the reign of King Sho Kinpuku (Shang Jinfu) of the First Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Agriculture was the foundation of the kingdom's economy, and every autumn before the harvest, tug-of-war ceremonies were performed to pray for bountiful crops and national well-being. While tug-of-war rituals exist throughout East Asia as harvest prayers, the Ryukyu Kingdom elevated the practice to an official royal event on a national scale.
After the Ryukyu Kingdom was incorporated into Japan during the Meiji era (1879), the tug-of-war continued as a civilian event. However, it was interrupted when Naha was completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Following the postwar US military occupation, the tug-of-war was revived in 1971 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Naha's municipal status. The event grew steadily each year, and in 1997 the rope was officially registered in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest straw rope. The current rope specifications — approximately 200 meters long and 40 tons — were established at that time.
Festival Schedule — Three Days of Celebration
The Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival runs for three days including the weekend before Sports Day (second Monday of October). The festival is far more than just the tug-of-war itself — it is Okinawa's largest comprehensive festival packed with diverse programming.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Citizen Parades
The first day features opening ceremonies at Onoyama Park. After the mayor's official declaration, citizen parades in traditional Okinawan costumes march through Kokusai Street and along Route 58. Evening brings the Orion Beer Garden with Okinawa-brewed draft Orion beer and local food. Over 200 yatai (food stalls) line both sides of Route 58 starting from Day 1.
Day 2: RBC Citizen Festival and Live Performances
Day 2 centers on the Citizen Festival hosted by Ryukyu Broadcasting Corporation (RBC). Okinawa-born artists perform live, Eisa dance troupes take the stage, and children's programs run throughout the day. Stage performances are free to watch, and the local way to enjoy them is with taco rice, Okinawa soba, and sata andagi from the food stalls.
Day 3: Main Event — THE TUG-OF-WAR and Fireworks
The festival's climax unfolds on Day 3 afternoon with the main tug-of-war. Starting around 2 PM, the east and west ropes are laid out on Route 58. At approximately 3:30 PM, the signal fires and the cry "Hajime!" launches the contest. For roughly 30 minutes, 15,000 people pull with everything they have — a truly overwhelming spectacle. After the match, participants cut pieces of rope as engimono (lucky charms), and the evening closes with approximately 5,000 fireworks painting the Naha night sky in a spectacular finale to the three-day celebration.
The Rope — How the 200-Meter, 40-Ton Behemoth Is Made
The undisputed star of the Naha Great Tug-of-War is the rope itself. The Guinness-registered specifications are staggering.
Total length: Approximately 200m (east rope + west rope combined)
Weight: Approximately 40 tons
Diameter: Approximately 1.58m (too wide for an adult to wrap both arms around)
Straw used: Approximately 1,500 tons
Production time: About 2 months
Number of tezuna (branch ropes): Several hundred on each side
Rope production begins about two months before the festival as a communal effort involving citizens from neighborhoods across Naha. First, straw is twisted into thin cords, which are combined into progressively thicker ropes, culminating in the 1.58-meter-diameter main rope (mother rope). Hundreds of tezuna (branch ropes) extend from the main rope — these are what participants actually grab and pull. The east and west ropes are made separately and joined on Route 58 on the day of the event using a massive wooden pin called the kanuchi bo. The insertion of this kanuchi bo is one of the festival's most important rituals, and the crowd erupts as the two halves become one.
East (Agari) vs West (Iri) — A City Divided
During the tug-of-war, Naha splits into East (Agari) and West (Iri). This division follows a tradition from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, with the Kumoji intersection on Route 58 as the dividing line: east toward Shuri Castle and west toward the sea. Visitors are free to choose either side.
Historically, East (Agari) represents the Shuri Castle royal government side, while West (Iri) symbolizes the Naha Port merchant quarter. Legend holds that an East victory brings abundant harvests while a West victory means plentiful fishing — either way, something good comes to Naha. Over recent decades, the win rate has been nearly even, and some years the match ends in a draw when neither side can pull the rope far enough within the time limit.
How to Participate — Anyone Can Join the World's Largest Tug-of-War
One of the greatest appeals of the Naha Great Tug-of-War is that anyone can participate without registration. Tourists, foreigners, and children are all welcome.
Step 1: Head to the Kumoji intersection on Route 58 on the day of the event. It is a 5-minute walk from Kenchomae Station on the Yui Rail.
Step 2: Choose East (Agari) or West (Iri). Announcements guide you on site.
Step 3: Grab one of the tezuna (branch ropes) extending from the main rope. The main rope is far too thick (1.58m diameter) to grip, so you must use the tezuna.
Step 4: When the signal fires, pull with all your might! The crowd roars "Haiyaa!" as the 30-minute battle unfolds.
Step 5: After the match, cut a piece of rope to take home as an engimono (lucky charm). The rope piece is believed to bring health and good fortune.
Practical Tips — How to Make the Most of the Naha Great Tug-of-War
Arrive at Least 2 Hours Early
The tug-of-war typically starts around 3:30 PM, but to secure a good position you should arrive by 1:30 PM at the latest. Watching the rope being laid out on Route 58 is a spectacle in itself, so arriving early to see the setup process is highly recommended.
Stay Hydrated
Naha in October is still above 25 degrees Celsius, and standing on asphalt makes it feel even hotter. Bring water, sports drinks, a hat, and sunscreen. Prioritize hydration over the tempting draft Orion beer (about 500 yen) at the food stalls.
Transportation — Yui Rail Is Best
Major traffic restrictions are enforced throughout central Naha on the day of the festival. If you have a rental car, leave it at your hotel and take the Yui Rail. Kenchomae Station is a 5-minute walk from the venue. Onoyama-koen Station also provides access.
Book Accommodation Early
The Sports Day weekend is a national holiday, and combined with the festival, Naha hotels start filling 2-3 months in advance. Hotels near Kokusai Street and Kenchomae Station sell out earliest. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Hotels near Omoromachi or Asahibashi stations are good alternatives with easy festival access.
200+ Food Stalls — A Street Food Paradise
Over 200 yatai (food stalls) line both sides of Route 58. Enjoy taco rice (about 500 yen), Okinawa soba (about 600 yen), sata andagi doughnuts (3 for about 300 yen), and draft Orion beer (about 500 yen). Exploring the stalls while waiting for the tug-of-war is the local way to enjoy the festival.
Cultural Significance of the Naha Great Tug-of-War
The Naha Great Tug-of-War is more than a contest of strength. This tradition from the Ryukyu Kingdom era carries three layers of meaning: prayer for bountiful harvests, prayer for peace, and community solidarity. Its revival in 1971 — just one year before Okinawa's reversion to Japan (1972) — gave it deep significance as a symbol of Naha citizens' identity and pride. The fact that citizens build the rope themselves, compete in a spirited east-west rivalry, and celebrate together regardless of the outcome embodies Okinawa's cherished yuimaru (mutual aid) spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can tourists participate in the Naha Great Tug-of-War?
A. Yes, anyone can participate without prior registration. Foreign tourists, children — everyone is welcome. Simply choose East or West on site and grab a tezuna (branch rope) extending from the main rope. After the roughly 30-minute contest, you can cut a piece of rope to keep as an engimono (lucky charm).
Q. How should I get around during the festival?
A. The Yui Rail monorail is the most convenient option. Kenchomae Station is a 5-minute walk from the venue. Route 58 is completely closed to traffic on festival day, making rental car access impossible. Leave your car at the hotel and take the Yui Rail. Onoyama-koen Station is also accessible.
Q. Is the tug-of-war cancelled if it rains?
A. Light rain does not cause cancellation. However, typhoons or heavy storms may lead to postponement or reduced operations for safety. October is the tail end of Okinawa's typhoon season, so check the official festival website and Naha City Tourism Association social media for the latest updates before departing.
Q. How do I take a piece of rope after the tug-of-war?
A. After the tug-of-war ends, organizers announce "rope cutting is open" and participants freely cut pieces to take home. A small knife or scissors is helpful, but many people tear pieces by hand or borrow tools from others nearby. Hanging the rope piece at your front door is said to bring health and good luck.
Q. Is it suitable for families with children?
A. Absolutely. However, during the main tug-of-war the crowds are extremely dense, so families with small children should watch from a slightly more distant vantage point rather than right next to the main rope. The Day 1-2 citizen parades, food stalls, and live performances are perfectly family-friendly. Elementary school-age children and older can grab a tezuna and join in the pulling.
