Yonabaru Great Tug-of-War 2024

Yonabaru Daikoh Hiki is a traditional ritual held in Yonabaru Town, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, praying for a rich harvest and the prosperity of descendants. It has a history of over 440 years.

Here are the features of Yonabaru Daikoh Hiki:

1. Specifications of the Rope (Daikoh): A massive rope, measuring a total of 90 meters in length, 1 meter in diameter, and weighing 5 tons, is used. This substantial rope is a central element of the ritual.
2. Adorned Flags and Costumes: The rope is decorated with vibrant flags and special costumes. These embellishments add a festive atmosphere and contribute to the sacred ambiance of the ritual.
3. Dojune (Procession): The ritual involves a procession called Dojune, where participants march through the town while the adorned rope is still in place. This is a ceremonial march that gathers participants and parades the sacred rope through the town.
4. Commencement of Tug-of-War: The rope, still adorned, is connected with Kanuchi poles, and the tug-of-war begins. This is a ritual where participants collaborate to pull the massive rope.
5. Ground-Pounding Tug-of-War: The rope is pounded into the ground, and the tug-of-war takes place in this unique and powerful manner. This act is one of the highlights of the festival.

Yonabaru Daikoh Hiki is one of the three major tug-of-war festivals in Okinawa, and it holds significant cultural importance for the local community and attracts tourists. The Yonabaru Daikoh Hiki Festival for the year 2023 is scheduled to take place on August 19th (Saturday) and 20th (Sunday).

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Yonabaru Town, Okinawa, Japan

Period
August 17 & 18, 2024

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