Sendai Oh-Tsunahiki (Great Tug-of-War)

Luck would have it that we are in Sendai for their annual "Great Tug-of-War." This happens every year on September 22nd in this small city of approximately 100,000 residents. We think the entire city turned out in the downtown streets to witness, cheer, and even participate in this grand ritual. The street vendors were everywhere selling everything. We saw chicken, pork, fish, octopus, squid, sake, beer, shochu, candy, veggies, hot dogs, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark swords, anime masks, and on and on and on. At one point we were almost crushed by the guys pulling the massive rope (about 24+ inches in diameter). Needless to say, the medical crews and cleaning crews were out in full force. After it was all over I was able to get a strand of the actual rope - apparently if you hang it on the front door of your house it will bring you good luck. Bonzai!

Here is a video we took: