The Great Tug-of-War of Ginowan

The Great Tug-of-War of Ginowan

 

The community association in the Oyama district of Ginowan the Kingdom of Ryukyu held the Great Tug-of-War, at an athletic field of Oyama Elementary School on July 27.

 

The tradition has a history of over 100 years.

 

Divided into two groups, Mendakari and Kushindarari, the residents competed against each other.

 

The community association in the Makishi district of Ginowan also held a tug-of-war, blocking Convention Street on July 20 for the event.

 

The event attracted many participants.

 

In Oyama, hatagashira, parades carrying large flags, led both Mendakari and Kushindarari, which marched through the district to spectators’ cheers.

 

After both groups arrived at the athletic field, they kicked off the competition with a Gae performance, in which participants waved about 30 kilograms of flags for hatagashira, and acted out an Agie performance, in which one group struck their rope to the other’s.

 

(English translation by T&CT)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 9 Saturday August 2014 The Roman)