Thousands of volunteers and residents in Aomori Prefecture used traditional ropes and wooden rollers to shift a section of Hirosaki Castle.
The event serves as a live demonstration of the Hikiya method, a centuries-old relocation technique used to move massive wooden structures without dismantling them.
About 4,000 people participated in the effort [4]. The group included local residents and overseas volunteers who coordinated their pulling to move the historic structure. The process relied on human power and traditional tools rather than modern machinery to preserve the cultural heritage of the technique [1, 2].
The structure being moved was substantial in size. Reports on the exact weight vary, with estimates ranging from 360 tonnes [1] to 400 tonnes [2]. Despite the immense mass, the participants successfully shifted the castle section approximately two meters [1].
This method of relocation was historically used in Japan to transport large buildings across land. By placing the structure on wooden rollers and pulling with heavy-duty ropes, ancient engineers could move architectural landmarks while keeping the original joinery, and framework intact [1, 2].
Organizers said the goal of the project was to demonstrate and preserve this specific relocation technique for future generations [1, 2]. The effort highlights a commitment to maintaining traditional craftsmanship in an era of mechanized construction.
“About 4,000 people participated in the effort”
The use of the Hikiya method at Hirosaki Castle is more than a feat of strength; it is a preservation of intangible cultural heritage. By engaging thousands of volunteers to move a structure weighing up to 400 tonnes, Japan demonstrates the continued relevance of ancient engineering in maintaining national identity and historical architectural practices.
