In a remarkable display of teamwork and traditional engineering, Japan called upon hundreds of volunteers to help shift a significant part of a 360-tonne castle back to its rightful spot, more than six feet from where it had been temporarily positioned during renovations.
Over the weekend, approximately 1,800 dedicated individuals congregated to assist in this massive effort by pulling hefty ropes connected to the Hirosaki Castle’s historic keep. This impressive event took place in Aomori Prefecture, and according to The Independent, it was a sight to behold.
This fortified tower, a crucial part of the castle’s structure, was initially relocated to allow for essential repairs on a wall that had suffered damage during a powerful earthquake. With restoration complete, all 2,185 stones have been meticulously returned to their original configuration.
Volunteers unite to guide Hirosaki Castle to its original location using ropes, following necessary repair works in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, as observed on Wednesday. (AFP via Getty Images)
Rotating teams employed an ancient Japanese technique called hikiya. This method involves carefully placing structures on rollers or rails to relocate them without dismantling, ensuring that historic buildings are preserved and protected from potential damage or destruction.
“We had about 8,000 applications for the 1,800 slots over the last two days, roughly four times oversubscribed, so not everyone could participate,” Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the parks and green spaces division in Hirosaki City, told The Guardian.
Participants pull Hirosaki Castle using ropes back to its original position after repair work in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. (AFP via Getty Images)
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“Not only from the city, but from across Japan and overseas; a fair number from Southeast Asia, Europe and North America.”
Participants pull Hirosaki Castle using ropes in Hirosaki. (AFP via Getty Images)
Pulling the castle keep by hand will continue through the end of August, with about 4,100 people scheduled to move it a total of more than 16 feet, The Guardian reported.
The Hirosaki Castle keep was originally a five-story tower, but it was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1627, the newspaper reported, citing the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Participants take pictures after pulling Hirosaki Castle. (AFP via Getty Images)
The current three-story structure was rebuilt in 1811. Many Japanese castles were dismantled after the end of the Samurai era in 1868 or were destroyed during World War II.