Around 1,800 people gathered in northern Japan to pull the 400-tonne stone base of Hirosaki Castle using ropes, in a traditional event to move the structure for repairs.
Traditional Moving Event
The event, known as "hikizuri," involved volunteers hauling the massive stone platform across a short distance. The castle's stone base was moved to allow for restoration work on the historic landmark.
Participants pulled thick ropes attached to the stone base, which weighs approximately 400 tonnes, as part of the carefully coordinated operation.
Repairs and Restoration
The move is part of ongoing repairs to Hirosaki Castle, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The stone base is being relocated temporarily so that foundation work can be carried out.
Hirosaki Castle, located in Aomori Prefecture, is one of the few surviving castles from the Edo period. The restoration project aims to preserve the structure for future generations.
The traditional method of moving heavy objects with ropes has been used in Japan for centuries and continues to be employed for cultural heritage projects.
