1,800 People Move 400-Ton Castle Tower in Japan Using Ropes

A remarkable feat of collective effort unfolded in Hirosaki Park, Japan, where around 1,800 people converged to move a 400-ton castle tower. Utilizing the traditional Japanese building relocation method known as 'hikiyama,' participants used ropes to collectively pull the historic structure approximately 2 meters. This intricate operation aimed to return the Hirosaki Castle's keep to its original location. The castle keep, designated a national important cultural property, was moved in 2015 to a temporary site for extensive wall repairs. This recent event marks its return journey. The scale of participation was significant, with over 8,000 applicants expressing interest in joining the effort over two days. Participants were organized into teams of about 80, each pulling on 30-meter-long ropes. The castle moved 2.22 meters in total over the two days. The entire relocation process, which began with the castle being moved about 78 meters in 2015, is expected to see the tower moved an additional 5 meters by human power by the end of August. The remaining approximately 73 meters will be moved using machinery, with the goal of completing the move within the year. Public viewing is scheduled to resume in 2033 after the extensive restoration work is finished.

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There were over 8,000 applicants over the two days.