In a stunning display of community strength and ancient tradition, 1,800 volunteers in Japan joined forces to move the 360-tonne Hirosaki Castle keep using the 'hikiya' method.
- The Hirosaki Castle keep was moved using the traditional 'hikiya' technique.
- Approximately 1,800 volunteers participated in pulling the 360-tonne structure.
- The move is part of essential renovations following earthquake damage to a castle wall.
- The castle is expected to reopen to the public in 2033.
In a breathtaking spectacle of human strength and historical preservation, approximately 1,800 people gathered in the Aomori prefecture of northern Japan to move the massive 360-tonne keep of Hirosaki Castle. Using the ancient Japanese technique known as 'hikiya', participants utilized long ropes and rollers to shift the fortified tower just a few meters closer to its original position.
The operation involved rotating teams of 80 people pulling on 30-meter ropes. Over the course of the weekend, the structure—which had been placed on rails—moved 1.13 meters on Saturday and another 1.09 meters on Sunday. This meticulous process is part of a larger renovation project aimed at restoring the castle after a major earthquake damaged its protective walls.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this event transcends mere construction; it is a profound act of cultural continuity. By choosing the 'hikiya' method over modern dismantling, officials are ensuring that the structural integrity and historical soul of this nationally designated important cultural property remain intact.
The use of hika technique represents a rare bridge between ancient engineering wisdom and modern heritage conservation needs.
The demand for participation was overwhelming. Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the parks and green spaces division at Hirosaki City, noted that they received roughly 8,000 applications for the 1,800 available slots. The volunteers came from across Japan and as far as Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, highlighting the global fascination with Japanese history.
Historical Background
The Hirosaki Castle was the seat of the Tsugaru clan and was completed in 1611. Its history is marked by resilience; the original keep was destroyed by fire in 1627 following a lightning strike on a gunpowder store. The current structure, rebuilt in 1810, stands as the only such keep in the Tohoku region and is one of only 12 remaining in all of Japan.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Technique Used | Hikiya (Ancient Relocation) |
| Structure Weight | 360 Tonnes |
| Volunteer Count | ~1,800 People |
| Reopening Target | Year 2033 |
The manual pulling phase is expected to continue until late August, with a goal of moving the structure a total of 5 meters through community effort. The remaining 73 meters of the relocation will be completed using heavy machinery by the end of the year. Due to the extensive preservation work, the castle will remain closed to tourists for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 'hikiya' technique?
It is an ancient Japanese method of moving buildings by placing them on rollers rather than dismantling them piece by piece.
2. Why is the castle being moved?
It is being repositioned to facilitate the repair of a wall that was damaged during a significant earthquake.
