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 !

Festival Photo: What a Gal !

Late yesterday afternoon, we were at a tug-o-war matsuri (festival) down south.

My favorite place to shoot from, would have been on the roof of a building above the crowd.

But, access to the roof was denied so, I mingled with the festival-goers. 

Everybody, except the dude, who wouldn't let me climb to the top of a building, was friendly.

Before shooting anyone, I always get permission but, wasn't carrying model releases.

This gal was dancing while clapping her hands, before the tug-o-war started.

If, I ever run across her again, I may give her a print of this photo, just because...

Camera: Pentax K3

Lens: Pentax 18-250 at 18mm

Exposure: f/4.5   1/250   ISO 100

Location: Yonabaru, Okinawa, Japan

Date and Time:  AUG 16, 2015  5:05PM

RELATED POST:

Yonabaru Tug-O-War 5 Motion GIFs

Day Trip: Grab a Rope in the Guinness Record Tug of War Okinawa

Naha Okinawa Tsunahiki

 

 

This article originally appeared at (now extinct) Yahoo Voices.

The assignment, was to write a one day trip, for someone flying, to visit Okinawa from Japan.

With the Guinness World Record Tug, just a few weeks away, you may want to read this.

If you dislike large crowds, just look at the photos and, avoid the event !

A Centuries Old Tradition

Hop on a plane for an early morning flight out of Tokyo in early October and you can witness the excitement surrounding the World Guinness Record Naha Tug of War. It’s a once a year event where you can participate, or just watch, a crowd of over 15,000 people pull a tug of war rope weighing over 40 tons. The scene in the street, numbering well over a quarter million people, is a sight in itself.

Tug of wars have been held on the islands of Okinawa since the 1600’s in the belief they would insure good harvests of rice in the fields, as well as, a bountiful catch and safe journey for fishermen at sea.
The Naha tug of war has evolved to become a cultural event believed to bring prosperity, good health and fortune to the residents of all the Okinawa islands. The rope was first recognized as the world’s largest, consisting of natural fibers, by Guinness World Records in 1995.

  

There’s More to See than Just a Tug of War

The event takes place on HWY 58 just a few minutes drive north of Naha International Airport and that is a great place to view, or photograph the massive rope. The monster is placed in the center of the highway, the night before, and crowds of observers won’t start swarming the place until mid afternoon.

A few minutes walk from the highway, on Kokusai Street (International Avenue) is where the festivities begin, at noon.  There are sights and sounds you won’t want to miss.  A parade is held which will give you a taste of Ryukyu (Okinawa) history and culture, in three hours that would take ages to absorb by reading books watching videos, or traveling throughout the Ryukyu Islands Chain.
The parade showcases some brilliantly colored kimonos, traditional classic dances and a dance, seen only in Okinawa, known, as Eisa.  The sounds of drums, horns, gongs, firecrackers, stringed instruments and music piped over loudspeaker systems fills the avenue and like many other observers, you’re welcome to chant along with the performers. Just memorize the words “Ya sa sa” and “Hi e ya” and learn to whistle like a whippoorwill, only a lot louder, and you’ll fit right in.
Some of the other activities you see include martial arts performances by youth, dancing lion-dogs (known as Shishimai) and a Chinese Dragon Dance. One event, you may want to climb higher to witness and capture on camera, is the Parade of Flags.  Young men demonstrate their strength and skill at balancing a huge bamboo pole displaying a banner representing their district in the city of Naha.  Climbing some stairs or watching from a balcony gives a better view and assures your safety, should a flag come crashing down in your direction.

The World Record Tug

 

 The Tug of War normally takes place on the Sunday prior to Japan’s Sports Day, which is the second Monday in October. It’s always best to check with a travel agent or visit the official site, in the event inclement weather causes sudden changes to plans.
Opening ceremonies and a large gathering of people begin on HWY 58 around 3PM so it’s a good idea to start jockeying for your position about that time.  There are speeches given, karate demonstrations, music played and more activities with village banners but, the World Record Tug is what you want to see.

Shortly before 4 o’clock is when activity with the rope begins. The rope is in two sections which must be joined and they face east and west, lying in the street.  The loops on the ends of the ropes are designated male and female. They are joined and a large wooden peg is inserted through one of them to tie the two ropes into a single length of rope for the tug.
Men, representing the royalty of the Ryukyu Kingdom and dressed in period costumes, climb atop the east and west sections of the rope and issue challenges. This is another good time to climb to a higher level for photography, as the crowd begins to surge closer in anticipation. If you’re there to pull, the masses will help snuggle you closer.

After the shouting and dueling match between the kings takes place, a gold ball above the crowd opens, depositing balloons, streamers and confetti.  A gong sounds, the crowd surges even tighter, and the tug begins.

A sea of humans converges on the rope tugging, shouting, straining and trying to get the five meters movement in their direction it takes to become the winner. The only part of the rope that remains visible to photographer, during the tugging, is the ends of the rice straw rope with the loops on them.
This is where I’ve learned to climb to higher elevations in the pursuit of a memorable photo. 

 Anywhere above the crowds, a stairway, balcony or a rooftop will do. At street level, the rope disappears among the crowd.
The tug of war ends when a team from either the east or west side of town manages to pull the rope five meters in their direction. If neither side manages that within half an hour, the competition ends in a draw. That has happened 14 times over the years.

Excitement When the Tug-O-War Ends 

 

 

A winner or draw is declared. That’s when the fun begins. Pieces of the rope are supposed to bring good luck to your family. So, everyone wants some to take home. Hundreds of thousands of people, some who weren’t even there to watch the event, show up and converge on the monster to grab a few strands of it. 

 Couldn’t take a knife on the plane, could you?

  Not to worry. Uniformed members of the Naha Tug of War Committee are the only persons allowed to have knives at the event. They cut strands and toss them to the crowds. 

Travel Light Like a Pro

Some things I recommend for this once a year, one day event, after having done it a few times:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a light jacket in the event it gets chilly or rains.
A backpack is the only luggage you will need.
Grab meals at any of the several Family Marts located conveniently along the routes you’ll be taking.
Yen is the currency to bring. Taxi cabs and vending machines generally, don’t accept any other currency.
Returning to Naha Airport for a meal before flying, you’ll get excellent food at reasonable prices.

Japan Airlines Guide to Japan Link for 2014 Naha Otsunahiki

Yonabaru Tug-O-War 5 Motion GIFs

 A Centuries Old Tradition

 

 

 

This tsunahiki (tug-o-war) has been going on in Okinawa, Japan for over 400 years.

And, there were probably 10,000 or more participants on the field, yesterday.

Here's a peek, at what, I saw through the camera viewfinder, before the tug started.

Just like anywhere else in the Ryukyu islands, the rope comes in two sections.

The ropes were carried in a procession, with royalty being carried on top.

The teams, challenging each other come from the east or, west sides of town.

The folks, riding the ropes, wear period costumes from the old Ryukyu Dynasty.

Once the parade entered the field, I followed them inside, to get a closer look.

There was a pretty lively crowd crowd in there.

For a second or two, I wished the cameras would have stayed at home.

All these gals, wearing summer kimonos were dancing and chanting.

And, some of them were offering me cups of, whatever they were drinking.

Dang.  I like drinking but, I had work to do.

So, I politely turned down the drink and just did a little dance with them.

While they were laughing, they quit flapping their arms around and, quit wiggling.

That gave me a chance, to zoom-in and get this shot.

This shows the wooden pole, used to join the two ropes together.

Coverage of This Event Requires a Team

 

 

This year, I got in with the crowd. The tug, started rather quickly.

That was when, I decided, it was time to climb a building, in order to view the rope.

By the time, I found enough elevation, the tug was over.

Next year, I know exactly where, I want to be, to catch that part of the event.


The Ryukyu Shimpo posted this video from 2011 on YouTube.

It gives an excellent presentation of the sights and sounds, you would encounter.

Read the Ryukyu Shimpo article (English) for more information.

Day and Night at the Awase Tug-O-War: Last Photo Essay

This will be my third, and final post on the Awase Tsunahiki.

 

With an action-packed week ahead, it's time to get the cameras ready for the next adventures.

It never hurts to arrive at these events early, as the scene above proved.

Sometimes, camping out, on location the night before, is the best way to go.

I had no idea, this sort of activity would take place at a shrine, the morning before the tug.

People were super-friendly and willing to have their photos taken.

That reminds me, I have to bring some prints, back down that way for this sensei.

As the sun went down behind the mountains, the street got crowded.

Typical of most Okinawa Tug-O-Wars, challenges were issued.

Once they start yanking on the ropes, a sea of humanity, surges around it.

The guys from the East, quickly won the first pull.

Then, they got about a ten minute break, before going for a second round with the ropes.

The second match, was won by the team from the West.

The rest of the evening would be spent having a party, to rival, Mardi Gras.

That's probably another good reason to campout overnight.

But, I had three cameras to download and, a long drive home so, I excused myself.

Note:  Photos above all taken with the Pentax K3 and 50mm 1.8 lens.

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.....

Sneak Preview: A Photo from the Awase Tug-O-War

 

A Couple of Firsts Happened Today

 

 

 

 

This Tug-O-War was like none I have ever seen before, in Okinawa.

Three cameras are being downloaded, as I type.

This old boy is beat so, the rest of the images can wait.

It was the first time, I ever witnessed a Tug-O-War that started after sunset.

And, I've never met a 10th degree (Dan) in Karate like this before.

Standby  for more. 

 Later.....



A Guinness World Record Event in Naha Okinawa

The Great Naha Tug-O-War (那覇の大綱引き)

Now is the time to start planning if you want to travel to see it.

Some people are the athletic-types and come to pull on the ropes.

Others, like to make videos or, get photos of the action.

Maybe, you'd just like to hangout with a quarter million other folks.


People come from around the globe for the excitement.


Just bump elbows with a few of them if you want to make some new friends.


The tug-o-war takes place Sunday October 13, 2013.


Why not hop on a plane and come on over ?


 Here are some handy links:


Okinawa Night Life


The Otsunahiki Organization


Map It Okinawa



Previously published:


Guinness World Record Tug of War in Okinawa, Japan


The War of the Rope



Naha Tug of War: When East and West Collide


 Photography Tips: How to Shoot the Guinness Tug-O-War 


Guinness World Record Tug-O-War


2011 Naha Tug-O-War Photos

Dancers and Characters at the Hamahiga (綱引き) Tug-O-War

Tug-O-Wars are Held Everywhere in Okinawa

 

 Last night, on Hamahiga Island we witnessed the usual Ryukyu style tug-o-war.

Except for the size of the rope used, they are all pretty much the same.

Some challenges are made, before the ends of the ropes are looped together.

Teams from the east side of town pull against those from the west.

What made this one different, was the people we met along the way.

Young gals who were proud of making themselves look like old hags.

There was a little guy making believe he was the village idiot.

Not sure if this was a man or, woman, I kept my distance.

They were, all friendly people and didn't mind the camera, being pointed their way.

This gal was so proud of her blackened tooth, I had to take a second photo of her.

People were decked-out in all kinds of bright colors and dancing in the streets.

This sweetheart was heading into her house by the time I caught-up with her.

But, she ran back out the gate so I could take her picture, dancing outside the yard.

The gal on the far left had some huge Dolly Parton-looking boobs on earlier.

She kept apologizing because they disappeared, somewhere along the way.

So, I told her not to worry.  I don't have any boobs, either.

That got them all laughing.

Somebody told me one of those characters was Michael Jackson.  I'd have never guessed.

Late in the evening, way after the tug-o-war, formal dances took place.

Some of these same gals might have been characters, earlier.

Face recognition, is something I must have been born without.

 That means, I'll probably never get hired by the FBI.

Seeing all the costumes and, watching the dances, was more fun than the tug-o-war.

The tsunahiki (綱引き) is an annual tradition in many villages throughout Okinawa.

They are held in the belief it will be a prosperous year for crops and good health.

The people of Hamahiga just, know how to do it in style !