Approximately 1,800 volunteers gathered over the weekend of August 22–23, 2026, in the city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture—located in northern Japan—to move the historic castle’s main keep using traditional rope-pulling techniques. The 360-ton wooden structure, part of the iconic Hirosaki Castle, was shifted a total of 2.22 meters over two days: 1.13 meters on Saturday and another 1.09 meters on Sunday.
Why Move a Castle Keep?
The unusual operation traces back to 2015, when the keep was carefully lifted and relocated from its original foundation to allow for the restoration of the castle’s stone walls. Those walls had suffered severe damage in an earthquake, and repairs required moving the tower intact—without disassembly—to preserve its historical integrity.
To achieve this, engineers and conservators employed hikiya, a centuries-old Japanese technique that moves entire buildings along rails and rollers using coordinated human effort. This method ensured the keep remained a single, cohesive structure throughout the process—a crucial consideration for such a culturally significant monument.
A Milestone in Restoration
The restoration of the stone wall was completed in December 2024, with all 2,185 original stones repositioned. Now, the focus has shifted back to returning the keep to its rightful place—albeit gradually and symbolically.
For the recent movement, volunteers were organized into teams of about 80 people. Each team pulled on 30-meter ropes in unison, guided by synchronized chants to ensure consistent force application. The effort drew extraordinary public interest: nearly 8,000 people applied for the 1,800 available volunteer slots—including applicants from across Japan and overseas.
More Than Just Mechanics
The rope-pulling phase is not yet finished. By the end of August 2026, organizers expect around 4,100 volunteers to have taken part, collectively shifting the keep approximately five meters using traditional methods. The remaining distance—about 73 meters—will be covered mechanically and is scheduled for completion by late 2026.
While the mechanical portion ensures efficiency and precision, the citizen-led rope movement serves a deeper purpose: reinforcing community identity and honoring shared heritage. It reflects a broader philosophy of cultural stewardship—one where preservation isn’t just technical, but participatory and symbolic.
One of Only Twelve
Completed in 1611 and historically linked to the Tsugaru clan, Hirosaki Castle is among Japan’s most treasured feudal landmarks. Its main keep is one of only 12 authentic surviving keeps from Japan’s feudal era—and the sole one remaining in the Tōhoku region. For the city of Hirosaki, safeguarding this structure represents both a civic duty and a point of profound local pride.