1,800 Volunteers Relocate Hirosaki Castle Keep Using Hikiya

In late August 2026, approximately 1,800 volunteers gathered in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, to participate in a significant cultural preservation effort. They manually relocated the 360-tonne keep of Hirosaki Castle, moving it more than two meters closer to its original position. This event is part of ongoing renovations to repair a wall that had been damaged in a major earthquake. Selected via lottery from 8,000 applicants, the volunteers chanted 'so-re, so-re' as they worked together to complete this monumental task. The keep, a fortified tower within the castle, is a crucial part of Japan's heritage and has a rich history. This method of relocation, known as hikiya, involves placing buildings on rollers and moving them rather than dismantling them. The city of Hirosaki has a tradition of utilizing this technique, which has been practiced in Japan since ancient times. The last time a castle was moved using this method was over a century ago. The decision to use hikiya for this project aimed to preserve the structure's integrity, as it is a nationally designated important cultural property.

Community involvement has been a key aspect of this initiative. The city of Hirosaki first called for volunteers in 2015, leading to the first citizen-driven hikiya. This year, the public was again invited to assist in pulling the keep back to its original base. The volunteers, including individuals from across Japan and even overseas, demonstrated strong community spirit and engagement. The process involved rotating teams of 80 people who towed the building, which had been set on rails, a total of 5 meters over several days, with machinery completing the remainder of the relocation. The broader implications of this effort extend beyond the physical relocation of the keep. The ongoing preservation of Hirosaki Castle serves as a significant cultural and historical landmark, attracting around two million visitors annually, especially during the cherry-blossom season. This project fosters community pride and awareness of cultural heritage while contributing to local tourism and the economy.

The work to restore the castle has been extensive, with the wall already reconstructed as of December 2024, utilizing the original stones. Looking ahead, the relocation of the keep is just the beginning of a comprehensive preservation project. Once the keep is back on its original base, preservation work will commence, and the entire structure will be covered for protection. Officials anticipate that Hirosaki Castle will reopen to visitors by 2033, showcasing the importance of community-driven efforts in preserving cultural heritage. This project highlights the historical significance of the castle and sets a precedent for future preservation initiatives across Japan.