1,800 Pull 360-Tonne Castle
Japan's historic Hirosaki Castle keep, weighing 360 tonnes, was pulled by hand by 1,800 people as part of a decade-long preservation project to return it to its original position after repairs
In a remarkable display of community effort, 1,800 people in Japan pulled the 360-tonne Hirosaki Castle keep by hand as part of a preservation project. The castle keep, which is one of only twelve original castles left in Japan, was moved in 2015 to undergo repairs to its earthquake-damaged stone wall.
The preservation project for Hirosaki Castle has been ongoing for a decade, with the goal of returning the 400-year-old structure to its original position. The moving efforts will continue until the end of August, with around 4,000 people participating in the process.
A lottery system was used to select participants for the castle pull, which is being done using a technique called hikiya. This technique involves placing buildings on rollers so they can be moved without dismantling them. More than 1,000 volunteers have been involved in pulling the historic castle back to its original site.
## Why it matters The event marks the final stage of the decade-long project to preserve Hirosaki Castle. Officials say that moving the castle by hand honours the craftsmanship of its original builders. The castle's preservation is significant not only for its historical value but also for its cultural importance in Japan.
The moving efforts are a testament to the community's commitment to preserving Japan's cultural heritage. With the castle's return to its original position, it is expected to be restored to its former glory, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical significance.
