{
  "id": 3509164,
  "title": "Thousands are pulling a 400-tonne castle in Japan with ropes — but why?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/thousands-are-pulling-a-400-tonne-castle-in-japan-with-ropes-but-why",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-26T12:24:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/thousands-are-pulling-a-400-tonne-castle-in-japan-with-ropes-but-why-video-11787745106218.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In northern Japan, thousands of people recently came together to help return a 400-tonne castle tower to its original location. The Hirosaki Castle main tower was moved 80 meters in 2015 to allow for repairs to its stone walls. Instead of dismantling the wooden structure, engineers lifted it intact and moved it along metal rails to a temporary platform. Since Saturday, roughly 4,000 individuals, including international participants, have taken turns pulling the tower forward by a few centimeters at a time. This collective effort has shifted the structure by nearly five meters. Local resident Takahiro Kogawa described the experience as \"like trying to move a mountain\" while pulling the heavy structure in the heat. History enthusiast Azusa Nimiya, who traveled from Shimane on the opposite side of Japan, called it an \"experience of a lifetime\" and a \"precious and unique memory.\" The municipality plans to use heavy machinery in September to complete the tower's movement and aims for its permanent installation by November, followed by restoration of the copper roof and facades. The castle, dating back to the Edo period, has undergone previous relocation efforts, including one in the 17th century after lightning damage and another in the 19th century due to concerns about the stability of its foundation. The current operation employs a traditional Japanese method called \"hikiya,\" which involves moving structures using human power. The project's goal is to protect the historic site while ensuring the main tower is securely fixed before winter snowfall arrives. Participants expressed emotional gratitude for the opportunity to preserve this unique heritage.",
  "summary": "Local authorities estimate that roughly 4,000 people, including participants from overseas, have taken part in the operation so far.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}