Naha Great Tug-of-War

The Naha Giant Tug of War, or Naha Otsunahiki, is an extraordinary cultural spectacle held annually in October during the Sports Day weekend. Dating back to the seventeenth century, the event originally served to pray for bountiful harvests, rain, and peace. Recognized by Guinness World Records, the massive straw rope stretches roughly two hundred meters in length and weighs over forty tons. This monumental contest pits the East and West factions of the city against each other, drawing massive crowds for a powerful display of communal strength and unity.

The main event takes place at the Kumoji intersection on National Route 58. Before the pulling begins, martial artists perform traditional karate demonstrations, and dynamic flag bearers rally the crowds. The climax of the preparation involves joining the male and female sections of the giant rope using a massive wooden peg. Once connected, a gong signals the start, and everyone is invited to grab an attached side rope and pull. Participants often cut away a small piece of the rope afterward to keep for good luck.

Surrounding the spectacular tug of war, the broader Naha festival includes a vibrant parade down Kokusai Dori featuring traditional Eisa dancing and folk music. The central event venue is highly accessible, located a short walk from the monorail station. Tens of thousands of people pack the closed streets to witness the monumental collision of historic neighborhood teams.