Travel Photo: Kimono Clad Gals at a Tug-O-War

They All Pull Together

 

 

Camera: Pentax K3

Lens: Pentax 18-250 at 18mm

Exposure:  f/4.5   1/160   ISO 100

Location:  Yonabaru, Okinawa, Japan

Event:  The Annual Yonabaru Tsunahiki

Date and Time:  AUG 16 2015  5:06PM 


Related Post-- Festival Photo: What a Gal !

12 Photos From the Awase Tsunahiki (Tug-O-War) in Okinawa

 

 

It Should Be Called the Event of the Decade

 

They only hold this Tug-O-War once every 10 years.

Looking for some (online) references, in English, I came up empty handed.

So, I went early, to mingle with the locals and see what I could learn.

It was a good thing.

The team members go to a shrine and, pray, the morning of the Tsunahiki.

Before noon, these youngsters, started blowing conch shells, like they were horns.

They're still on the temple grounds when a friendly (sort of ) stick fight breaks out.

The guys in blue are from the east end of town.

Red headbands are those from the west.



While the challengers from the east and west took a lunch break, I went here.

Looking towards the east, this is half of the monster-rope they'll be tugging.

And, I shot an image of the west end, too.

Sitting on the ground, I composed this shot, before the street got too crowded.

People are always asking me, how you get your hands to pull such a big rope.

Well, you don't, grab the big rope.

The ropes made for little hands, are attached to the big-monster rope.

So, even mothers and daughters can join the party.

Seniors are welcome, too !

There was a Hula Dance Group that performed (even though it rained) before the tug.

They must have pleased the rain spirits.



The gang, from the west end of town, celebrated with firecrackers, before the tug began.

Stay tuned, for more.....

Culture Photo: The Joining of an Okinawan Tug O War Rope

Tug O Wars are held in villages throughout Okinawa, Japan.

Depending on which island or community you are in, there may be differences in the rituals.

This photo depicts one thing you will observe at almost any Tug O War festival.

It is the joining of the two ropes.

One end of the rope is designated female, the other male.

They are joined by passing one loop through the other and, a wooden pole holds them together.

With all the excitement, going on at these events, it isn't easy to capture a photo like this.

This image is of a model, I found on display and, could take plenty of time shooting it.

Photo Location: Sesoko Island Community Center

Camera: Pentax KD 10

Lens: Pentax 18-250 at 32mm

f/19  1sec.  ISO 100