An annual event held at the Kumoji intersection of HWY 58 in Naha Okinawa, Japan has been awarded the Guinness Book of Records certificate for the biggest rope in the world made of rice straw, several times over the years, starting in 1995.
A rope that is close to 600ft long and weighing over 40 tons is placed right in the center of the most heavily traveled highway on the island, traffic is detoured and 15,000 people, or more, grunt, chant and tug (East Districts against West) trying to drag the opposing side about 10 meters for a win.
Pictured here, is the loop at the end of the female end of the rope. The male end has a similar loop turned in a vertical position. When the tug is about to begin, the two loops will be joined, the crowd of over 200,000 spectators will surge forward trying to get pictures of the event, drums will be beat, whistles blown and the fun begins! And the rope becomes invisible to your camera.
The ideal place to be is: NOT ON GROUND LEVEL TRYING TO CAPTURE THE ACTION !
The Naha Tug-O-War will take place on Sunday October 11th 2009.
Look for a rooftop or balcony above the crowds for a shot that includes the whole scene.
LINK: http://www.naha-otsunahiki.org/en/index.html
A wildlife photographer livning in Okinawa, Japan, Mike has been featured in Matador Abroad and is published in Apogee Photo Magazine, Boots N all, The Nihon Sun and Photo Guide Japan. He has recently joined the ranks of travel writers, capturing Nature, Festivals, Castles and Cultural shots of the Ryukyu Islands to share with the world.
I would love to see this! Great photo.
I take it you were “on ground level trying to capture the action”…
Sabina, thank you ! On the ground is where I was, but I learned a valuable lesson; this year I’ll be on a roof and capture the whole crowd, as well as the rope!