Every October, the city of Naha in Okinawa prefecture holds a tug of war event in the city center. The massive rope is over a meter thick, and can extend over 200 meters in length and weigh over 40 tons. The rope is pulled in either direction by the gathered crowds, and the battle can last as long as 30 minutes. Whichever side wins, it is customary for everyone to cut off a length of the rope afterwards to keep as a souvenir.