Locals, toursits and U.S. service members wait to witness or participate in the Tug-of-War Festival in Naha, Okinawa, Oct. 12, 2025. This year’s rope measured about 524 feet long, four feet in diameter and weighed 36 tons. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
NAHA, Okinawa — Hundreds of thousands of people, including U.S. service members, recently took to the streets on a hot, humid afternoon to witness and take part in this city’s annual Tug-of-War festival.
The event dates to around 1450 and was revived in 1971 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Naha’s founding.
This year’s rope measured about 524 feet long, four feet in diameter and weighed 36 tons. It had 126 smaller ropes attached for pulling, said Morimasa Goya, chairman of the Naha Tug-of-War Preservation Association.
During a rope inspection ceremony at Naha Military Port on Oct. 6, Mayor Satoru Chinen said the massive rope — called ufunna in the Okinawan dialect — is believed to bring “many blessings, such as peace and security, prosperity for citizens, and business prosperity.”
U.S. service members participate in the annual Tug-of-War Festival in Naha, Okinawa, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
The annual Tug-of-War Festival gets underway in Naha, Okinawa, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Locals, toursits and U.S. service members wait to witness or participate in the Tug-of-War Festival in Naha, Okinawa, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Locals, toursits and U.S. service members wait to witness or participate in the Tug-of-War Festival in Naha, Okinawa, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
The rope has been made at the U.S. Army port since 1993, but the Army did not participate in this year’s ceremony due to the ongoing government shutdown.
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of [World War II], we hope that the circle of peace will spread from Naha city to the world,” Chinen said.
The three-day festival began Friday and culminated Sunday with the main tug-of-war event, the east side of Naha verses the west. Locals usually pull for their side of the city. Several U.S. service members joined as participants and volunteers.
After about 13 minutes of pulling, the east side claimed victory.
“I’ve only been here for a week, and I was looking for something to experience culturally,” Navy Lt. j.g. Peter Yao, of Patrol Squadron Four, told Stars and Stripes after the event. “I would consider myself lucky — the Naha Tug-of-War festival was a good chance for me to see what Okinawa has to offer.”
Sgt. Adam Sandquist and three fellow members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit said they were grateful to take part in the festivities.
“It was a nice opportunity to be a volunteer during the festival. It was our first time doing it and I’m glad we’re here,” Sandquist told Stars and Stripes after the contest. “Everyone here enjoyed the festival and overall it is a cool experience.”
AloJapan.com