If you’re in Okinawa this September, mark your calendars for one of the island’s most electrifying events—the Itoman Great Tug-of-War! This historic and high-energy event will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and it’s packed with tradition, excitement, and a whole lot of rope!
What’s the Big Deal About the Itoman Great Tug-of-War?
The Itoman Great Tug-of-War isn’t just your average tug-of-war. This event is deeply rooted in Okinawan culture, with a history that’s as long as the rope itself! Every year, on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the people of Itoman come together to pray for things like a bountiful harvest, a plentiful catch, family safety, and good health. The rituals and customs have been passed down through generations and are still going strong today.
But what really sets this event apart? The massive rope used in the tug-of-war is made on the day of the event! That’s right—before the tugging begins, the citizens of Itoman spend about three hours weaving together smaller ropes created by different districts. The final product? A beast of a rope that’s 1 meter in diameter and 180 meters long! 💪
Parade Time! 🥁🎊
Before the main event kicks off, there’s a lively parade called “Michizune” that you won’t want to miss. This parade starts at Itoman Elementary School and winds its way to Shirogane-do Hall. Imagine flags waving, drums beating, and performers dancing in the streets. The parade features flags from different villages, school groups, women’s associations, youth clubs, and even senior clubs showing off their Eisa dances, songs, and traditional Okinawan moves. It’s a celebration of community and culture that’s as vibrant as Okinawa itself!
The Big Show: Tug-of-War Time! 🧶🏋️♂️
Once the parade wraps up, the real fun begins! The tug-of-war kicks off as the southern and northern teams, known as Heekata and Nishikata, go head-to-head in an epic battle of strength and teamwork. Who will take home the bragging rights this year? You’ll have to watch to find out!
Event Schedule 🕒
Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening and when, so you don’t miss a single moment:
Rope Making (Itoman Rotary to Shirogane-do Hall)
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the locals as they work together to create the massive rope that will take center stage.
📍Itoman Rotary on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pid8ZiU8rCwyacK18
📍Shirogane Hall on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMHxgFHCiefVxQMx8
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Michizune Parade Departure Ceremony (Itoman Elementary School Ground)
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Get ready for the parade to kick off with a bang!
📍Itoman Elementary School on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xsczkgZDGUfWYwSe7
Michizune Parade (Itoman Elementary School to Shirogane-do Hall)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant parade.
Tug-of-War Opening Ceremony (In front of the main stand on Route 256)
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
It’s almost game time! The opening ceremony gets everyone hyped for the main event.
📍Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NPSr2x1eTADeBVi89
Tug-of-War Begins (Itoman Rotary to Shirogane-do Hall)
5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
Watch as the southern and northern teams battle it out in the ultimate test of strength!
Tug-of-War Closing Ceremony (In front of the main stand on Route 256)
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM
The winners are crowned, and the celebrations begin!
📍Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NPSr2x1eTADeBVi89
Parking and Traffic Info 🚗🚦
Parking can be tricky, so here’s what you need to know:
- Temporary Parking Lot A: Kukuru Itoman (90 spaces) [ Google Pin ]
- Temporary Parking Lot B: Old Bowling Alley Site (90 spaces) [ Google Pin ]
- Temporary Parking Lot C: Old Itoman Shipyard Site (120 spaces) [ Google Pin ]
Shuttle buses and electric carts (GSM) will be running from the parking lots to the event site, so you won’t have to hoof it too far. But remember, parking spaces are limited, so public transportation is your friend!
Pro Tip: Don’t park on the street or in unauthorized areas—no one wants to end their day with a parking ticket!
Traffic Restrictions 🚧
To keep everything running smoothly, there will be some traffic restrictions in place:
- Route 256 (Shirogane-do Hall to Itoman Rotary): 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Route 77 (Itoman Elementary School to Itoman Rotary): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The exact timing of the traffic restrictions might shift a bit depending on how the event progresses, so plan accordingly.
So, there you have it! A day filled with tradition, culture, and community spirit that you’ll remember long after the rope has been pulled. Get ready to experience the energy of the Itoman Great Tug-of-War!
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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