Historic Hirosaki Castle moved by volunteers in Aomori

Approximately 1,800 volunteers gathered in northern Japan this weekend to participate in the manual relocation of the 360-ton historic Hirosaki Castle. The participants successfully moved the main tower of the castle, located in the Aomori prefecture, slightly more than two meters back toward its original foundation over the course of two days.

The operation involved volunteers working in groups of 80, using 30-meter ropes to pull the massive structure along specially constructed rails. On Saturday, the structure was shifted 1.13 meters, followed by an additional 1.09 meters on Sunday. Public interest was significant, with approximately 8,000 people applying for the 1,800 available spots in the initiative.

This project serves as part of an ongoing restoration effort for the castle. The structure had been previously displaced from its base to allow for repairs on a stone wall that sustained damage during a powerful earthquake. The restoration project aims to return the historic tower to its proper place, ensuring the preservation of the site for the future.