Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival

Overview

The Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri is a major autumn festival held in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, over three days including the weekend of Health and Sports Day in October. It is counted among Naha's three major festivals, and its centerpiece event, the Naha Otsunahiki (Great Tug-of-War), has been certified by Guinness World Records three times as "the world's largest straw rope" . During the festival period, the International Street parade of hata-gashira (town flags) and the main tug-of-war on National Route 58 are held, alongside the RBC Citizens Festival at Onoyama Athletic Park, attracting approximately 285,000 spectators over the three days .

This festival is not merely a tourist event; it serves as an essential occasion for Naha citizens to express unity, prosperity, and happiness. The act of pulling the giant rope from east and west symbolizes the union of yin and yang, embodying prayers for human prosperity and peace . Until 2011, the event was known simply as "Naha Matsuri," but from fiscal year 2011 it was renamed "Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri" to emphasize the tug-of-war as its core .

History and Origins

The origins of the Naha Otsunahiki are said to date back to around 1450. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Naha developed from a single port village called Ukishima into an urban center with trade facilities such as Ufugusuku (the royal trade office), Kume Village (settled by Chinese immigrants), and administrative offices, ultimately growing into the four towns of Nishi, Higashi, Wakasa, and Izumizaki, collectively known as "Naha Yoncho" . While rural tug-of-war traditions were linked to rain prayers and harvests, Naha's version emerged as a distinctly urban festival celebrating the mercantile spirit.

By the early 19th century, heated competitions often led to brawls, prompting the authorities in 1812 to establish the "Naha Tsunahiki Kibo-cho" (rule book) under the orders of the Naha satonushi and the Ufugusuku. This regulation system brought order and safety to the event, and thereafter the tug-of-war was conducted according to these rules . Although the festival continued through the Meiji period as a celebratory event, it was suspended after 1935 and ceased entirely during and after World War II.

After the war, Naha merged with Shuri, Oroku, and Mawashi to form Greater Naha City. In 1971, just one year before Okinawa's reversion to Japan, Mayor Ryo Matsu Taira revived the tug-of-war as part of the city's 50th anniversary commemorations, deliberately scheduling it on October 10, the date of the 1944 Naha air raid . This revival was deeply symbolic, blending remembrance of war with hopes for peace and prosperity.

The festival grew steadily in scale and recognition. In 1995, at the 25th edition, the rope was first certified by Guinness World Records as the largest straw rope in the world. The record was reconfirmed in 1996 and again in 1997 when a Guinness editor visited to verify the updated specifications: total length 186 meters, weight 40.22 tons, diameter 1.58 meters, with 236 tow ropes . In 2012, the design of the Naha Otsunahiki was selected for the commemorative 500-yen coin issued for the 60th anniversary of the Local Autonomy Law, cementing its national recognition .

Highlights

Hata-gashira Parade (Ufunna-suneei) On the second day of the festival, around 11:30 a.m., the hata-gashira (town flags) from 14 districts of Naha depart from Tsuboya Elementary School and parade down International Street. Young men (niiseetaa) dressed in black traditional hakama and half-coats carry the towering flags while firecrackers echo through the streets . This procession has been an inseparable prelude to the tug-of-war since ancient times, showcasing each neighborhood's pride and martial spirit.

Rope Joining Ceremony (Kanuchi-chiji) Before the main tug-of-war begins, the female rope (miinna) from the west and the male rope (uunna) from the east are joined together using a special crossbar called kanuchi-bo. This union is considered a mythical act representing the fusion of yin and yang, praying for the prosperity of all humanity . In 2022, during the 52nd edition, the western rope snapped at this preparatory stage, leading organizers to declare a draw for safety reasons due to changes in rope specifications and reduced participant numbers from COVID-19 measures .

Shitaku Gaee (Historical Performers on the Rope) After the ropes are joined, performers dressed as historical figures perform dramatic postures (gaee) while standing on the rope. These displays of bravery and artistry heighten the audience's excitement, and the ceremony culminates in the breaking of a giant kusudama (paper ball) as the signal for the tug-of-war to begin . This tradition preserves elements of Ryukyu martial and performing arts, connecting modern spectators to the kingdom's cultural heritage.

The Great Tug-of-War (Main Bout) The main event features a rope measuring 200 meters in total length, approximately 1.56 meters in diameter, and weighing 40 tons, with 280 tow ropes each about 7 meters long. Up to 15,000 pullers split into east and west teams heave in unison, creating a thrilling spectacle that draws the crowd of 285,000 into a single roar of energy . Victory is declared when the joint of the rope (kanuchi-guchi) crosses a line 5 meters into either side's territory, or if at least 3 meters of movement is achieved; otherwise the match is a draw, and bouts typically last 20 to 30 minutes.

Karii-zuna Tori (Lucky Rope Scavenging) Immediately after the bout ends, participants are allowed to cut off pieces of the tow ropes and take them home as lucky charms. These rope fragments, called karii-zuna, are believed to bring blessings such as family harmony, easy childbirth, and business prosperity . The scramble for rope pieces is a lively and joyful conclusion to the main tug-of-war, symbolizing the distribution of good fortune to the community.

RBC Citizens Festival Running concurrently over the three days at Onoyama Athletic Park, this side festival features karaoke competitions, live music stages, food stalls, and nightly fireworks displays (starting at 8:30 p.m.) . The family-friendly atmosphere complements the intensity of the tug-of-war, offering diverse entertainment for all ages and making the entire event a comprehensive cultural experience.

Event Information and Access

• Schedule: Annually on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday including Health and Sports Day (second Monday of October). The main tug-of-war takes place on Sunday afternoon (approximately 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). For the 56th edition (2026), the dates are October 10 (Sat) to October 12 (Mon) .
• Venues: Hata-gashira parade on International Street; main tug-of-war at the Kumoji intersection on National Route 58; RBC Citizens Festival at Onoyama Athletic Park .
• Admission: Free of charge for all events.
• Public Transport: From Naha Airport, take the Yui Rail to Onoyama Koen Station (3-minute walk) or Tsubogawa Station (1-minute walk). By city bus, alight at Gunsenbashi-mae stop (5-minute walk) .
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available. Heavy traffic restrictions are enforced around the venues, so using public transportation is strongly recommended .
• Contact and Updates: Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri Executive Committee (Naha City Tourism Division), tel. 098-862-3276. Always check the official website (e.g., Naha City Tourism Association) for the latest schedule, possible cancellations, or postponements due to weather or other factors .

Surrounding Area Information

The main venues of the Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri are located in central Naha, at the Kumoji intersection and along International Street (Kokusai Dori). International Street stretches approximately 1.6 kilometers and is lined with souvenir shops, Okinawan restaurants, and entertainment establishments. During the festival, sections are closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian paradise. Within walking distance are cultural sites such as the Tennusu Naha complex (reconstructed Ryukyu trade office) and the Naha City Tsuboya Pottery Museum, allowing visitors to combine festival viewing with historical exploration.

Onoyama Athletic Park, located in the southern part of Naha, hosts the RBC Citizens Festival and offers extensive recreational facilities. The park features sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths, and provides scenic views of Naha Port and the Kerama Islands in the distance, making it an ideal spot for fireworks viewing. Nearby attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage site Seifa-utaki and the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, offering additional cultural engagement for visitors.

Naha City is home to numerous other tourist attractions such as Shuri Castle Park, Fukushuen Garden, and the Naminoue Shrine. Walking through the historic four towns (Nishi, Higashi, Wakasa, Izumizaki) that gave birth to the tug-of-war tradition allows visitors to trace the old street patterns and discover temples and shrines from the Ryukyu Kingdom period. This deeper exploration enriches understanding of the festival's significance and the city's layered history.

Related Information

1. Guinness World Records: The Naha Otsunahiki rope was certified as the world's largest straw rope three times (1995, 1996, 1997). In 1997, a Guinness editor personally visited to verify the updated record of 186 m length and 40.22 tons weight .
2. 500-Yen Commemorative Coin: In 2012, the design of the Naha Otsunahiki was featured on a special 500-yen coin issued for the 60th anniversary of the Local Autonomy Law, representing Okinawa Prefecture .
3. 2022 Rope Breakage Incident: At the 52nd festival (2022), the western rope snapped during preparation. The accident was attributed to changes in rope dimensions and reduced reinforcement due to COVID-19 restrictions; organizers declared a draw to ensure safety .
4. Preservation Society: The Naha Otsunahiki Hozonkai (general incorporated association) manages the festival, oversees the annual production of a new rope, and works to train younger generations in traditional skills .
5. Name Change: The festival was renamed from "Naha Matsuri" to "Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri" in fiscal year 2011 to clearly identify the tug-of-war as its central attraction .
6. City of Flags Declaration: In October 2023, Naha City declared itself a "City of Flags" (Hata-gashira no Machi). The 14 hata-gashira representing each district are treasured symbols of local identity and cultural heritage, and their preservation is a priority for the city .

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