Kadena, Okinawans 'band together' in giant rope-making

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 30 Airmen, spouses and children from Kadena came together with about 20 Okinawans Nov. 21 to help build a giant tug-of-war rope for the upcoming Okinawa City International Carnival.

As part of an 18-year tradition with Kadena, the four-ton, football field-length rope is hand-made before each carnival by a group of volunteers. The servicemembers and their families work closely with the Okinawan community, giving them the opportunity to bond with the locals.

"I'm glad we get a chance to work with folks outside the base," said Master Sgt. Michael Waterman, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron section chief of emergency services contingency training and volunteer rope maker. "[The tradition's] getting bigger, and hopefully it'll continue to do so."

Sergeant Waterman said this is the second year he's participated in the rope making and the tug-of-war, and he's glad to be able to contribute to the festival.

"It's nice watching them use the rope we made in the tug-of-war," he added. "I'm definitely looking forward to the 'tug.'"

The massive rope is made up of two halves - a male and a female rope that are tied together at the festival, also traditionally done by hand. Each rope takes 10 days to complete.

Seiei Gakiya, rope-making master and volunteer coordinator, said because the deadline for the rope was so close, without more volunteers, the rope might not have gotten done in time.

"We're thankful for Kadena helping Okinawa City make the tug-of-war happen," said Mr. Gakiya. "It's been raining for the past three days, and we're behind schedule. But now that we have volunteers from Kadena, we can maybe finish the rope in three days."

The international carnival will host a series of events throughout the day, including the "biggest" attraction - the giant tug-of-war. The tug will be held at 6:30-8 p.m. on Okinawa City's "Koza Gate Street," just outside Kadena's Gate 2. Everyone is invited to attend the cultural festivities.

The road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 27 for the carnival and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 28 for Gate 2 Fest.