AIZU05（Aizubange-machi）： Ootawara Tug of War（HAMA、NAKA、AIZU！）

On the 14^th of January, over one-hundred participants gathered in Aizubange-machi, to hold a tug of war using an Ootawara(giant straw bag) that is 2.5 metres tall, 4 metres long, and weighs 5 tons.

After a ceremony blessing the Ootawara, and praying to prevent any injuries, participants split into the eastern team and the western team, and raced in wearing red(east) and white(west) fundoshi(loincloths).

Legend states that if the east wins, rice prices go up, and if the west wins, farmers will be blessed with a rich harvest.

According the M.C. who has held his position for the past 11 years, the weather this year is better than most, but even so it was very cold. Among the participants you could see some shivering in the sheer cold, but they all put on a brave face, lined up next to the ropes, and cheered each other on.

The winner of the Ootawara Tug of War is decided by which team wins 2 of 3 games. The first game resulted in an overwhelming victory by the eastern team.

After returning the Ootwara to its original position, the 2^nd match began swiftly. This time the western team one, it was a great match.

The deciding match ended in the eastern team’s victory, and both teams along with the crowd watching roared with excitement. It seems as though the price of rice will go up this year.

Afterwards there was a match that members of the audience could participate in, and while I wound up being on the losing team, it was still a great experience. I’d like to give it another shot next year, and maybe take part in the actual Tug of War itself.

After the Tug of War ended, there were many smaller events held infront of the town hall including mochi(rice cake) pounding, kagamiwari(breaking open a ceremonial sake barrel), Fukumame-dawara(lit. good luck straw bag) scramble.

After being treated to some Amazake(Sweet Sake) and Mochi, the Fukumame-dawara scramble began. Every year 365(signifying the days in a year) Fukumame-dawara are thrown out into the crowd. It’s said if you pick one up you will have good luck for a year. They also throw out small bags of mandarins with gift vouchers inside them. I’m not sure why they chose mandarins, but when considering the speed they are thrown out, any other fruit would probably cause some serious damage.

My colleague and I worked together and through a lucky combo-play we were able to get a Fukumame-dawara. (One of them Fukumame-dawara hit my colleagues face, and I picked it up of the grown…) I’m not sure if there’s any significance to it hitting his face, but I figure we can split the year’s good luck between us.