Naha Grand Tug-of-War Festival held in Okinawa

The 56th Naha Grand Tug-of-War Festival took place in Okinawa, Japan, from October 10 to 12, 2026. The main event, held on October 11, featured a massive tug-of-war competition involving a Guinness World Record-certified rope approximately 160 meters long and weighing 35 tons.

During the competition, participants divided into East and West teams. After approximately 10 minutes of intense pulling, the match ended in a draw. This result brings the historical record to 19 wins for the East, 14 wins for the West, and 18 draws.

The festival carries deep historical and cultural significance, tracing its origins back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era around 1450. The event also serves as a memorial to peace; it was revived in 1971 to honor the memory of the October 10 Naha Air Raids during the Battle of Okinawa, expressing a wish for lasting peace and stability.