Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Hirosaki Castle in northern Japan is moving back to its original site after being relocated for earthquake repairs 11 years ago. Using ropes and rollers, 1,800 people manually moved the structure several metres over the weekend using a technique known as hikiya, whereby entire structures are moved without being dismantled. Thousands of volunteers are set to move the structure a total of 5 metres (16.4ft) in a symbolic, community-building effort, with the remaining 73 metres (240ft) to be carried out using machinery by the end of the year.

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