More than 1,000 volunteers pull historic castle back to its original site in Japan

More than a thousand people gathered in Aomori Prefecture to pull Japan’s historic Hirosaki Castle back to its original site after years of renovation. The wooden keep, one of only twelve original castles left in the country, was moved in 2015 so engineers could repair the stone base beneath it. Now, teams of volunteers have guided it home.

The video opens with a wide view of the castle, thick ropes laid out on the grass. A mascot waves participants into position, and soon hundreds stand shoulder to shoulder on either side of the ropes.

Drums beat a steady rhythm as people lean forward and pull in unison. Some wear T-shirts reading ‘The Return of Hirosaki Castle 2026’.

The event marks the final stage of a decade-long project to preserve the 400-year-old structure. Officials say moving the castle by hand honours the craftsmanship of its original builders.