Shinei President Nakagawa (中川) competed in the Kobe Giant Tug-of-War as a member of the Sannomiya team, and Sannomiya won after a close contest, defending the honor of the district. The event was held over 2 days during the Kobe Autumn Festival, with venues including Sannomiya Chuo-dori, and drew an enthusiastic response.
The Kobe Giant Tug-of-War was held as the featured event of the Kobe Autumn Festival 2026, with Sannomiya Chuo-dori and Kyomachi-suji closed to traffic. Large crowds gathered at the venue, which was filled with excitement. On the first day, a solemn purification ceremony was held, including a moment of prayer for safety. The event took place on 3 and 4 October 2026, at Sannomiya Chuo-dori, Kyomachi-suji and the waterfront.
The competition was contested between the Sannomiya and Motomachi teams. It was a unique event in which the boundary line was said to move, and information indicated that Motomachi won last year, moving the boundary line east as far as Kyomachi-suji. The president decided to compete by taking hold of the rope on the Sannomiya side and prepared for what was seen as a contest to defend the district's honor.
When the match began, cheers from the crowd and the participants' calls echoed through the venue. The president showed a fighting spirit different from his usual demeanor, using his entire body to pull the rope. The contest continued, with the strength of Sannomiya and Motomachi concentrated on a single rope.
After a fierce contest, the Sannomiya team emerged victorious, prompting loud cheers from the participants and supporters, including the president. The match ended with Sannomiya's honor defended and provided an opportunity to reaffirm ties with the local community.