1,000 people pull historic castle to another location in Japan using ropes

HIROSAKI: Around 1,000 people in Japan’s northern Aomori Prefecture pulled the 400-tonne historic Hirosaki Castle with ropes, moving it about one metre from its original position.

According to Kyodo News, the unusual activity took place on August 23, with around 1,000 people selected through a lottery and divided into groups to pull the castle using ropes. Around 4,000 people are expected to take part in the activity during August.

Hirosaki Castle was moved about 78 metres from its original location in 2015 to allow repairs to its stone walls. After the repair work, authorities have begun gradually moving the historic structure back towards its original position.

Under the plan, public participation will help move the castle a total of about five metres, while the remaining distance will be covered using technical equipment. The castle is expected to be returned to its original location by the end of 2026.

Japanese authorities say the relocation project is aimed at preserving the historic structure and its stone walls while also allowing local residents to take part in protecting their cultural heritage.

Hirosaki Castle is considered an important historic site in Japan, with its main tower among the country’s preserved historic castle towers.