Summary:
The traditional Japanese rope used in the annual Naha Festival has been re-launched after more than a decade.

Full article:
By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 02:46 EST, 14 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:36 EST, 14 October 2013 . Spectacular scenes launched the Annual Festival of Naha, in Okinawa, Japan this week when 27,000 locals turned out for the annual tug of war. The opening event of the festival, which can be traced back to the 17th century, sees two men in traditional Ryukyuan costume take on the role of kings representing the east and west. Standing at either side of the 43-ton rope, the kings have their backs to each other, and then perform a ritual sword display, which is accompanied by other martial arts displays along the length of the rope. Festival participants stand next to the giant rope used in the annual Naha Tug-Of-War on Okinawa Island, southern Japan . Festival participants stand atop of the giant rope in the dramatic display which marks the start of the Naha Festival . 27,000 attend the annual event in Naha City on Okinawa Island . The event has been held on Japan's southern island of Okinawa since the 17th century following the harvest of rice as a festivity to entertain villagers and wish for good health and continued good harvest . After the event, many participants took a piece of the rope as a token of good luck, as the rope is believed to bring health and happiness .