AOMORI, Japan - About 1,000 people towed the roughly 400-ton keep of a traditional castle in northeastern Japan's Aomori Prefecture on Sunday, moving it 109 centimeters closer to its original position after it was relocated 11 years ago.
The keep of Hirosaki Castle, a national historical treasure in the city of the same name, was moved in 2015 to repair the stone walls that supported it. By the end of this year, it will be moved about 78 meters to where it was.
About 1,000 people chosen by lottery were divided into groups, pulling a cart carrying the keep with ropes during an event.
A total of 4,000 people are scheduled to participate in similar events between Saturday and next Sunday, with the aim of moving the keep about 5 meters in total.
"I pulled it 11 years ago (from the original place for repairs). I feel emotional being able to take part again," Mei Umetsu, a 16-year-old high school student said.
