As today is a holiday and I don’t have to go to OIC, I woke up at 0900. After having breakfast, I review some of the Nihongo study materials and then went out to Onoyama Park for Naha Festival. It was a walking distance, about 2 km. Nothing much there except some games for children and a lot of Japanese foods except one from India. Some of the workers were preparing a stage – probably for a show later of the day. I then walked back to the hotel and had lunch. Later, I went out with Alwis and Dilchaan to see the Giant Tug-of-War in the city. The Tug-of-War is listed in the Guiness Book of World Record (I don’t know in what category… if you are interested, find out yourself).

It started with a parade from Kokusai Street by various groups which would participate in the event.

Along the way, we met Tokumori San and his wife and children. When we arrive at the scene, both giant ropes were already on both sides of the road, waiting to be jointed.

After some speeches, karate and dance shows, the real war took place. ‘Two Kings’ were brought to the scene on carriers and pretend to fight. Participants and audience started pulling away the giant ropes after the event was officiated at around 1700. It looks like those of the Eastern side was more powerful. However, the Western side was having the same amount of strength since the war lasted about 20 minutes. The Eastern side won the war. [More photos to follow…] 

Again, this is Eisa Dance performed prior to the Tug-of-War.

 "It is big, isn't it?".

According to locals, they would normally spend about a couple of months making this huge rope.

"If this thing falls on you, you'll die, man."

Like father, like son. Photo sessions prior to the real event.

From both sides of the road, the ropes are going to be jointed soon.

This side is also moving towards the other one.

 The two giant ropes are then put together…

and secured using a huge log.

This picture was taken even before the above actions took place. It had been placed way above the crowds for…

this opening ceremony.

Wow, look at the King from the eastern side.

… and from the western side… about to 'fight'.

And the fight took nearly 20 minutes in this year (1997).

(According to Azad from Malaysia, a master student in University of Ryukyu here, the war lasted only for 3 minutes last year.)

Azad is the second from the right in this photo.

As a tradition, most of the audience would use a knife or a pair of scissors to cut off the ropes for a souvenir.