While I was waiting for my stomach to chill enough to eat lunch I wandered into Kibogaoka Park to check out the Tug of War replica. Tug of War is actually on a whole other level in Naha. Every October on route 58 an East team and a West team meet to participate in the world’s largest Tug of War. The rope used weighs about 40 metric tons and is about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in diameter. It lasts about 30 minutes with the goal of pulling the opposing team 5 meters (16.4 feet). At the end people cut up the rope to take home as a souvenir.
This massive game of tug of war can be traced back to the Ryukyu period during 17th century and seeing a part of the rope in person is kind of intense.
It’s absolutely massive. Even though they’re not lugging the massive main rope, but instead pulling a rope attached to it I can’t even fathom how big the final rope is or even how heavy it would be to try and pull.
If you’re in Okinawa around October I suggest giving the Tug of War festival a visit. Or if you’re there any other time take a break at Kibogaoka Park (希望ヶ丘公園) that houses the replica. It’s located behind the tourist office and the park is peaceful and you’ll probably run into some cats.
