About this event
The Itoman Great Tug-of-War (Itoman Otsunahiki) is a traditional event held on the night of the full moon on August 15 of the lunar calendar (Jugoya) as a sacred ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest, big catches of fish, family safety, and good health. The joining of the male and female ropes divided into North and South foretells a fruitful harvest, and the outcome of the contest divines the good or bad fortune of the year. The total length of the rope measures 180 meters combining male and female ropes, boasting one of the largest scales in the prefecture. While great tug-of-war events in other areas have become tourist events, in Itoman it is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which is why it is also called "Hachigwachi Jugoya". On the day of the event, great rope making takes place in the morning, followed by a parade called "Michizune" in the afternoon. Led by banner-bearers (hatagashira), over 1,000 citizens participate and parade approximately 1 kilometer from Itoman Elementary School to Hakugindo Shrine while performing dances, songs, and children's Eisa. After the Michizune ends, the main great tug-of-war finally begins. Performers dressed as "Shitaku", legendary figures of Itoman, appear to liven up the venue. In 2026, it is scheduled to be held on Friday, September 25.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Hakugindo Shrine
23 Itoman, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0361
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