Naha Tug of War

Every October, Naha holds the world's largest tug of war.  Ryan and I heard about this when we first arrived so despite the fact that Ryan was litigating a court martial a few days later, we headed down to Naha to lend our muscles to the tug of war.  We had to participate in an event that always makes the Guiness Book of World Records!

The rope is so massive, that the Okinawans shut down Route 58 - Okinawa's main road - so that there is room for the 40 metric ton rope and the more than 25,000 attendees.  The rope is actually over 3 feet high main rope with many smaller ropes extending to the right and left sides which participants use to pull.

Getting ready to pull!

The tug of war pits the Western side of the island against the East.  After much taunting and a display of karate skills, the "Kings" pass over the rope and meet in the middle for a show down.  When they return to their respective sides, the tug of war commences! 

Men dressed in traditional Ryuku garb instigate the participants by blowing whistles and yelling "EE YA" to which, the participants respond by pulling and screaming "EE YA" in return.

We pulled for 30 minutes and I can't say I really saw the rope move.  After we were exhausted and sweaty, our side was declared the winner!  It's traditional to cut up the rope and take home a piece for good luck.  We went home with about 18 inches of rope, but some people go crazy for that rope!

Obon

Reason 263 that we love living off base in Japan? Eisa dancers performing at night during Obon! Obon is a holiday that Okinawan Buddhists celebrate enthusiastically. They believe that their deceased ancestors return home during this time so to honor them, they eat, drink, and Eisa dance! Eisa is a traditional Ryukuan dance that is performed with drums, rhythmic movements, and cries of "Ei Ya Sa Sa!" Last week, while Ryan had to be in bed by 7pm to wake up early for the range (he shot expert...again!), I ran outside with my camera when I heard the drumming begin. Wealthier families pay the Eisa dancers to play in front of their house for their ancestors and then offer the dancers refreshments like chocolate, Awamori, and watermelon (which goes for about $10 here!). Luckily, the Obon dancers returned nearly every night and Ryan and I followed the procession with a new Japanese friend on Saturday night. I even got some video!

I particularly enjoyed watching the little boy in green shorts. He was on beat and even knew some of the moves!

Here's another video of some of the dancers. The man dancing on the right is actually American!