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As previously explained, the ayajou-uugina was a popular cultural event which always attracted a crowd of people ranging from local government and satsuma officials, to kemochi and mukei (those without chronicled lineage). Because it was the most spectacular event in the Ryukyu Kingdom, participation in it was the ambition of all the young men from Shuri’s Mitara district. The holding of the flag and the kanuchiyaku (the staff) was considered a special honor, customarily a privilege reserved only for brave and bold men. A man selected for one of these roles was considered to be not only a man among men; he was truly revered.

It came as no surprise to learn that, in representing the east, Makabe Chaan was always selected for such positions since he was tall, powerful, and popular. The flag for the west, representing the opposition, was often held by Morishima Eekata, a man of Herculean strength. Morishima later had a son who became known as Giwan Choky, a prominent statesman, who died in 1875.