The Naha Tug of War Festival is the largest traditional cultural event in the prefecture. Over 250,000 people attend the annual three-day event in October.

The festival begins with “TSUNA Fes 2024,” which takes place on October 12 (Sat.) and 13 (Sun.). It features a variety of programs, including traditional performing arts shows in the open space in front of Palette Kumoji and at the traditional Naha experience corner, Tembus Square, further up Kokusai Street.

The main event, the Giant Naha Tug-of-War (Ootsunahiki), is held on the second day of the festival by Kumoji Intersection on Highway 58 from 14:30 to 19:00. The road is closed to traffic for the duration of the event.

The rope used for the Tug-of-War was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1995 as the “World's largest straw rope” and is a source of pride for the citizens of Naha and Okinawa Prefecture. The two parts of the rope are made new every year in the nearby Naha Military Port area and then transported to the event place on large semi-trailers. After the tug-of-war contest, the rope is chopped into pieces, which the participants and spectators take home as good luck charms.

The “Hatagashira Parade” that takes place immediately before the tug-of-war is also an event not to be missed. “Hatagashira” are heavy flagpoles and the symbol of the area, which young men keep in balance upright, pumping the 40-60kg poles up and down and passing them to each other. The sight of the men who have worked hard for this day, sweating all over, may be hard to take your eyes off while their team members and spectators cheer them on enthusiastically, clapping their hands.

The 54th Naha Tug of War Festival


Date: October 12 (Sat), 13 (Sun), 14 (Mon), 2024

Place: Kokusai Street, Kumoji Intersection on Highway 58 (the area is closed to traffic during the festival)

Admission: Free

Schedule:

TSUNA Fes 2024, Oct. 12 (Sat) – Oct. 13 (Sun), 11:00 - 21:00 *Varies depending on the event date / UFURUFU, Palette Kumoji-mae Plaza & Tembus Naha-mae Square

Hatagashira Procession (Naha Tug-of-War Preservation Society) Oct. 13 (Sun) 11:30-14:00 / Kokusai Street

Naha Tug-of-War Festival (Naha Tug-of-War Preservation Society) Oct. 13 (Sun), 14:30-19:00 / Kumoji intersection, Route 58

Naha Tug of War RBC Citizens' Festival, Oct.12 (Sat.)-14 (Mon.), 2024 / 11:00-21:00 / Onoyama Sports Park