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Move Hirosaki Castle with a "tug-of-war"! Tens of thousands gathered for the "Hikiya" experience held in Hirosaki and Shinjuku, cheering wildly!
At Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, the stone walls beneath the castle keep have deteriorated. To repair them, the keep is being moved using a technique called "Hikiyagari." Hirosaki Castle is one of only 12 surviving castle keeps in Japan, weighing a total of approximately 400 tons.
This is the first time in 100 years that Hirosaki Castle's Hikiya work has been performed, and the "HIROSAKI MOVING PROJECT" is being promoted alongside it. The concept is to move not just the castle, but the people and city of Hirosaki towards the future. As part of this, "Hikiya Week" was held at Hirosaki Park from September 20th to 27th. Additionally, on September 20 and 21, a "Hirosaki Castle Virtual Moving Event" was held simultaneously at Shinjuku Station Square in Tokyo.
The event in Tokyo's Shinjuku drew 995 participants.
36.A combined force of 6 tons was generated.
At the Hirosaki Castle Virtual Tug-of-War event, a giant panel depicting Hirosaki Castle's keep appeared at Shinjuku Station's East Exit. Families, friends, and couples formed teams of four to enjoy the tug-of-war experience. Teams challenged themselves to pull 120kg, with their measured results displayed on the venue's screen. Participants received local specialties as prizes based on their performance.
On the day, Hirosaki City Deputy Mayor Masaki Ebina, Hirosaki Castle Miss Sakura Grand Prix winner Rinka Nozawa, and Hirosaki Castle's mascot Takamaru-kun made appearances. Furthermore, model Miyu Azama (20th) and comedian Gorgo Matsumoto of the duo TIM (21st) were welcomed as guests. They held talk sessions about Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki, energizing the venue.
Over 995 people participated in the Hikiya experience at Shinjuku Station Square in Tokyo over two days, accumulating a total power of 36.6 tons.
In Hirosaki, a 400-ton castle tower was set in motion by the strength of 100 people!
During the Hikiyaya Week at Hirosaki Park in Aomori, participants including "Hirosaki Castle Shareholders" (those who made hometown tax donations to Hirosaki City), local residents, and tourists joined in. As about 100 people pulled together on four ropes connected to Hirosaki Castle, the approximately 400-ton keep began to move. Participants cheered at this rare experience of moving a massive castle by human power.
© Tsuburaya Productions
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