Japan's 400-tonne castle moves home — powered by thousands of hands

Rather than dismantle the historic structure, engineers lifted it intact onto metal rails and moved it to a temporary platform. Around 4,000 people, including volunteers from overseas, have taken part in the latest operation, moving the tower nearly five metres towards its original location.

"It's like trying to move a mountain," said 56-year-old Hirosaki resident Takahiro Kogawa, his forehead covered in sweat after several minutes of exertion. Azusa Nimiya, a 46-year-old castle and history enthusiast, travelled from Shimane, on the other side of Japan's main island, to join the effort.

"It's the experience of a lifetime, a precious and unique memory," she said. Local authorities plan to use heavy machinery in September to complete the move, with the tower expected to be permanently reinstalled in November.

Further restoration work on the copper roof and facades will follow, with the castle's full reopening to the public scheduled for 2033. Bringing history to life. The public participation is part of an effort to connect people with the castle's long history.

"We wanted everyone to be able to experience history physically," said Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the restoration project. "It's extremely significant for passing on the history of Hirosaki to future generations," he said. Lightning destroyed the tower in the 17th century, and it was rebuilt in the early 19th century.

Decades later, concerns over the stability of its stone foundations forced the tower to be moved for the first time, again using human labour. It was eventually returned to its original position in 1915. The operation is based on "hikiya", a traditional Japanese technique for moving structures that dates back centuries, Hayasaka said.

The restoration team aims to preserve the historic structure while ensuring the tower is securely fixed to its foundations before heavy snowfall arrives in the region. "Seeing all these discussions and the methods devised by our predecessors and our teams finally come to fruition this year is extremely moving," Hayasaka said.

"We feel a profound sense of accomplishment. "Among the most enthusiastic volunteers was 82-year-old Katsumi Terada, who joined the effort wearing two Japanese flags tucked into his headband. He also took part in the castle's relocation 11 years ago.

"I wondered then, with some anxiety, if I would still be around to see it return to its base," he said. "But look, I persevered. I'm alive and well.

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