1,000 help tow 400-ton castle keep closer to original position

Around 1,000 people helped tow the 400-ton keep of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture on Sunday, moving it 109 centimeters closer to its original location. The keep was relocated in 2015 for repairs to its supporting stone walls and is expected to move about 78 meters back by year’s end.

Participants were chosen by lottery and worked in groups, pulling the keep with ropes.

In total, 4,000 people will participate in similar events over the next week, aiming to move the structure roughly 5 meters.

"I pulled it 11 years ago... I feel emotional being able to take part again," said 16-year-old Mei Umetsu.