56th Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival

About this event

The "56th Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival" is one of Naha City's largest events, held annually in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, over the three-day weekend that includes Sports Day. With a history of about 560 years, this traditional event is held to pray for peace, tranquility, and civic prosperity. In the main "Naha Great Tug-of-War" (Naha Otsunahiki), approximately 15,000 participants split into East and West teams to pull a giant straw rope extending 200 meters in length. Certified by Guinness World Records, the scale and power of the rope are truly breathtaking. The festival runs over three days, with the first day featuring a Traditional Performing Arts Night Parade and Citizens' On-Stage performances, vividly coloring Kokusai Street. On the second day, following the "Hatagashira Procession (Ufunnasunei)" where 14 neighborhood banners parade along Kokusai Street, the main Naha Great Tug-of-War takes place. On the final day, the "RBC Citizens' Festival" is held at Onoyama Comprehensive Athletic Park, offering a wide range of programs such as live music, Okinawan gourmet food, and game corners. Festival venues span multiple locations including the Kumoji Intersection on Route 58, Kokusai Street, and Onoyama Comprehensive Athletic Park.

Venue

Onoyama General Athletic Field

52 Onoyamacho, Naha, Okinawa 900-0026