Nishiokoppe Village Variety Show Last year, the variety show returned after a five-year hiatus. This year, we were able to hold it successfully once again. Thank you to everyone who came out in large numbers. The performance segment was rich with acts. From children to adults taking the stage, there were fresh, uplifting performances and also V-kei band sets, letting audiences enjoy a wide range of genres. In the latter half, the karaoke segment featured a somewhat different lineup than last year, but this village truly has many talented singers…! We were captivated by the clear, expansive voices. Stalls offered food and drinks, as well as booths selling capsule toys and other playthings, plus shooting galleries and ring-toss corners. From morning until night, it was a day to fully savor the festival. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Variety Show #100th Anniversary of Village Founding #September 11

Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture JiYellowtail Country Manfuku Temple Tanuki no Kuni Lost with his brother and became a human Return to Tanuki Village Chief, who showed me the way back

Puppet Theater Pook Performance in Nishiokoppe Village Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Puppet Theater Pook is coming again this year! Thank you for the many visitors from both inside and outside the village last year. The program features two works: "Kobozu Zuieten" and "It Might Be an Apple." Doors open at 6:00 PM Performance starts at 6:30 PM. The performance will be held in the large hall of Nishiokoppe Village Community Center. Advance tickets: 500 yen Same-day tickets: 600 yen Children aged two and under: free. Tickets can be purchased from members of the puppet theater circle Doremi or reserved via the QR code. A shuttle bus will operate on the day for residents of the Kamiokoppe area. Please feel free to use it. 6:00 PM Kamiokoppe Bus Stop 6:05 PM In front of Kamiokoppe Residents' Center 6:10 PM In front of Kamiokoppe Elementary School For inquiries about this performance, please contact: Nishiokoppe Village Board of Education 0158-87-2501 We will prepare a small selection of snacks and look forward to your arrival. Organizers: Puppet Theater Circle Doremi / Nishiokoppe Village Board of Education #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Puppet theater #Puppet Theater Pook #Performance #Kobozu Zuieten #It Might Be an Apple #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi #Nishiokoppe Village Board of Education #September 24

This photo was also taken at the Flower Culture Garden. Various wind chimes were displayed everywhere. The tone was so pure that even I, who usually listen to music while shooting, involuntarily took off my earphones. It is a piece of confidence that I used as much as I could use the techniques that I could use in the shooting.

Sunset Village Sculpture Symposium This year again, works by Yoichi Okumura, who lives in Miyazaki City, have come to Gokasecho✨ These gentle pieces reflect Okumura’s warm personality😊 Although stone is usually thought of as hard, he can express it so softly😲 Looking at the works gives you a cozy, warm feeling🥰 A picture book about a snowman was also placed there to help visitors feel a little cooler⛄ You could also watch the creation process👀 The stone’s sheen is different before and after, isn’t it!? (Maybe it’s the photographer’s skill…😅) By the time he arrived in Gokasecho, he had already created about seven pieces✨ He is expected to dedicate a work to Furudono Shrine again this year, which is something to look forward to🎵 You can see the exhibition and Okumura’s working process below Furudono Shrine💡 He is scheduled to stay in Gokasecho until September 3, but since there will be tidying up and other tasks, it might be best to visit in August😊 *Note: Okumura will be absent on August 7.*

[Wood Play Experience Market] Komu Museum of Art Saturday, August 2, 10:00–16:00 We present the “Wood Play Experience Market”! ※Museum closing time is 17:00 See it, touch it, make it—fun wooden workshops await you. [Workshop Highlights] 〇 Wooden keychain and brooch making Artist: tek Tanno Yuri Fee: 500 yen each Duration: about 30 minutes 〇 Make a wooden kaleidoscope or clock!! Artist: Do mono Fee: Kaleidoscope 1,000 yen / Clock 500 yen Duration: about 30 minutes 〇 Wood-nut BUG BUG Wood education meister: Erika Murai Fee: 300 yen Duration: about 30 minutes 〇 Mushroom magnet making Uenshiri and friends (taiko drum team) Fee: 500 yen (for two pieces) Duration: about 10 minutes ※Admission fees apply as usual High school and older 500 yen / Grades 4–6 and junior high 300 yen / Ages 3 to Grade 3 100 yen / Under 3 free ※Residents of Nishiokoppe Village are free of charge that day To mark the village’s 100th anniversary, the first 100 visitors will receive a free workshop ticket! Every craft is adorable—you’ll have trouble choosing which to make. Come make a lovely piece and create a summer vacation memory. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Komu Museum of Art #Summer #Wood Play Experience Market #Hands-on #Workshop #Woodworking #Woody Summer School #August 2

July 25 — Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival 🎆 Thank you for attending the first fireworks festival of this summer! Before the fireworks, we held a stage event in the Waterside Park called “Play in Atami! Play with Fireworks!”, with energetic performances by chiitan☆bombers, Kamen Joshi, and TOMOCA RIRIKA Yuuri to liven up the crowd! https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8/...

Here you will find a world of black, gold, and dreamlike lacquer art It is called the Azumino Takahashi Setsuro Memorial Museum Setsuro Takahashi is a lacquer artist who represents the contemporary craft art scene Building on the traditional chinkin (gold inlay) technique, he created a unique lacquer art style using a method called yarigane On the grounds you can also see the former Takahashi family house from the mid-Edo period You can also enjoy a chinkin hands-on experience 😀 For details, please visit the official website http://azumino-bunka.com/facility/setsuro-museum/...

The music never stops At the guesthouse GA.KOPPER in Nishiokoppe Village This week’s music events continue to take place🎉 ○ Puukichi’s Guitar Concert Thursday, July 24, 8:00 PM Enjoy the sound of acoustic guitar ○ Ni Tete Boy Live and Session Saturday, July 26 Afternoon session 2:30 PM–3:30 PM Evening session 6:30 PM–9:00 PM We’re excited to hear music and drum performances from Ghana😆 ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ Both events are free to enter They are tip-based free live shows🏋️ Visitors who are not staying overnight are very welcome! We ask that you order at least one drink, such as a beverage🍺 At Ni Tete’s evening session you might be able to try the event’s special menu item, “white curry”!? Please come with friends and family, we hope to see you there! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #music #Live #Puukichi #guitar concert #acoustic guitar #Ni Tete Boy #drums #Ghana #GAKOPPER

🎨 Announcement: The Late Sukenori Miroku – Exhibition “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits” 🌲✨ From Friday, July 18, the Library Corner at Shiitake no Yakata 21 will host an exhibition by the late Sukenori Miroku (Miroku Sukenori) titled “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits.” This exhibition presents nine works in total, including two paintings depicting kagura that are planned to be donated to Morotsuka Village. Please take this rare chance to see these precious pieces that are not often on view 👀🍃 📅 Exhibition period: Friday, July 18 – Tuesday, July 29 🕙 Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (※Last day closes at 15:00) 🏛 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 21, Library Corner 🎟 Admission: Free ❗️Note: Closed on Wednesday, July 23. 📞 Inquiries: Morotsuka Village Office, Board of Education, Education Division TEL: 0982-65-0072 👤 About Sukenori Miroku Mr. Miroku was an artist who expressed local spiritual culture through motifs of kagura and nature-based faith. He continued to render the forest’s resident spirits and his respect for Morotsuka Village’s nature and kagura with a delicate touch. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to encounter his artistic legacy and spirit 🖌️🌿 👣 Spend a peaceful moment in a space where nature and art resonate together 🍀 We warmly look forward to your visit!

This photo was taken at the Tokyo International Forum in front of Yurakucho Station. I tried to combine the metal-like architecture and the wooden part to create a slightly softer atmosphere.

I didn't expect the way home after drinking to be so bright.

Grass Roll Painting Returns! Last year, we painted Setoushi-kun on a pair of stacked grass rolls, and the result proved more popular than expected, so we decided to do it again this year! Grass Roll Painting This year’s installation is in front of the management building at the Forest Park. If you spot a large orange object from around the intersection by the post office, that’s the grass roll. Using oil-based paint and markers, and with help from children visiting the park, we finished the painting. There’s even the autograph of that person who visited during Golden Week! The display will remain until around autumn. If you pass by, please come and take a look. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Park #Grass Roll #Painting #Orange cow pattern #No face #Setoushi-kun

🎨 Special Exhibition "Mucha: The Mysterious Painting" ✨ 1 We present for the first time a new tapestry that weaves Alphonse Mucha’s painting Quo Vadis, a masterpiece by one of Czechia’s leading artists, using Sakai’s traditional craft Sakai Dantsu. This work marks a new chapter in the history of painting. 2 Alongside one of the world’s foremost Mucha collections, the exhibition unveils the full story of the enigmatic painting Quo Vadis. Exhibition Highlights Explore freely through five rooms designed like pavilions. A grand gathering of works related to the magnificent World Expo of 1900 Paris, held 125 years ago!

Light up of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. This work is an art project from the inner moat reflected in the stone wall. I liked this scene, so I posted it.

Hello, this is the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association. This is 💕 an announcement of the Lover's Mecca Sanctuary Events in Suzaka Art Park Let's go see the silhouette of the heart played by the light~! The shadow of the monument of the sacred place of Lover's Mecca ties the heart, special days twice a year, (Twice a year, the day of the autumnal equinox in September and the day of the Spring equinox in March) For those who took a picture in front of the monument, the first 50 people will receive a little gift 💕 At the World Folk Doll Museum in Suzaka Art Park, Maturity!! You can also experience the chicks. ~On the day of the Spring equinox, please go to Suzaka Art Park~ Held in: Thursday, March 20, 2025 Spring Sunday 11:00~12:30 Held in Location: Nagano Prefecture Suzaka City Suzaka Art Park in front of the Heart Monument Hina-sama Rikiri Experience Events Held in: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays until May 18, 2025 Held in Location: Suzaka Art Park World Folk Doll Museum Rental fee: Children's costume 600 yen, adult costume 800 yen Morning Session 10:00~11:30 Afternoon Session 13:30~15:00 The first 10 people each time, no advance reservation required * Since it is a costume that can be easily worn, please dress with a companion.

Today is February 22nd, commonly called Cat Day. A huge mural by Masamichi Oikawa, the illustrator known for the magazine Pia, brightens Yamato Nadeshiko Square on the west side of Sotetsu Line Yamato Station. If you look closely, there’s a cat…! (=^・・^=) You can also see a cheerful Yamato-n character painted there. By the way, Oikawa’s illustrations also wrap the community buses that run around the city.

Held in 🎊 a winter exhibition at the Shiga Highlands Roman Museum from January 25 This exhibition is [Continued: Opened Kautei Art Library] Saturday, January 25, 2025 ~ Sunday, April 6, 2025 Opening Hours: 9:00~17:00 (Admission until 16:30)

This work is the Gifu Great Buddha Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture It is a work that combines the front, right side, and left side with a kaleidoscope lens

This work is the Great Buddha Hall Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture This is a composite photo of the front, right side, and left side

Happy New Year! I took photos of the first sunrise of the year from Atami’s coastal Shinsui Park again this year. It wasn’t very cold and there was no wind, so the conditions were perfect! I waited in the Third Section before 6:00, and around 6:15 the horizon began to turn orange; light started to break through shortly after 6:50. Some trees were slightly in the way below, so I hurried to the Second Section and took more photos there. The first sunrise was truly beautiful. As in past years, many local residents and tourists gathered early at Shinsui Park to photograph the first sunrise of Reiwa 7. May Reiwa 7 bring an even better year for everyone. Thank you for your continued support of Atami Onsen this year.

The Resurrected Sound of the Drums Sunday, December 1 We performed the Wenshiri Taiko from Nishiokoppe Village at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. We played a single short six-minute piece. It depicted Mt. Wenshiri awakening as snow melts, from winter into spring. We were very glad to receive so many warm rounds of applause and words of encouragement. Since we had the chance, here is a brief story of how Nishiokoppe Village’s taiko practice was revived. Taiko performance in Nishiokoppe Village began in the 1980s. Back then the drummers were the local youth association. Their powerful rhythms energized festivals and other events. The piece played since that time was Wenshiri Taiko. A teacher from the elementary school composed the piece, and it was handed down through performances until around 2000. Afterward, following the disbanding of the youth association and other changes, the drummers disappeared and the drums lay silent for a long time. There was a period when a volunteer taiko circle was active, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to invite instructors, and the drums fell completely quiet. Things started moving again in August of this year. As the variety show was returning, former drummers and villagers with strong musical insight teamed up to revive Wenshiri Taiko and learn the piece. Although we were amateurs, seven passionate members brought the Wenshiri Taiko back to life with resounding sound. After that performance, a few villagers who heard us at the variety show joined as new members, and we continue our activities today. We were fortunate to be invited to perform at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. Though our group formed only recently, getting calls from inside and outside the village has energized our practice. This has become a bit long. Restarting something that had stopped and keeping it going takes a great deal of energy. We hope the members can keep enjoying their activities and that this joy reaches those who listen. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #drums #Wenshiri Taiko #Okoppe Town #Town Charity Variety Show #December 1 #youth association #taiko #I was the filming team

Until Tuesday, December 24, the Izusan Local Museum is exhibiting the original Hokke Mandala. According to Izusan Shrine tradition, this Hokke Mandala was embroidered with the hair of Hojo Masako. A repair inscription on the back records that Hojo Masako used her own hair to stitch the Hokke Mandala to pray for the soul of her husband, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and that it was enshrined as the principal image of the Hokke Hall. The museum usually displays a replica, but the original is on temporary public view for the first time in two years and four months. Please take time to appreciate the three-dimensional Sanskrit characters made with hair and the subtle coloration of the backing that only the original can show. Atami City Izusan Local Museum Hokke Mandala Exhibition Period: Thursday, November 28, 2024–Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Address: 708-2 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (within the grounds of Izusan Shrine) Phone: 0557-80-4252 Access: From atami station, take a bus bound for Nanao for about 10 minutes and get off at Izusan Shrine-mae Hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays (if a public holiday falls on Wednesday, closed the following day) Admission: Adults ¥180 (groups ¥120); junior and senior high school students ¥120 (groups ¥80); elementary school children and younger free Parking: Available (a few spaces at Izusan Shrine) Note: Group discounts apply to parties of 20 or more.

Photo taken on December 1st The autumn leaves at Atami Plum Garden are now at their peak! The garden has about 380 maple trees, and perhaps because of the mild climate they usually change color from late November through December, earning the reputation of being "the latest autumn leaves in Japan." Early-blooming plum trees have already started flowering since mid-October, so searching for plum blossoms while enjoying the autumn foliage is a unique Atami experience. During the Momiji Festival, the annual footbath opens, the Atami Plum Garden Momiji Festival Photo Contest is held, and the Momiji Light-Up takes place, among other events. Event period / November 16 to December 8, 2024 Hours / Light-up (every night during the event) 4:30 PM–9:00 PM Venue / Atami Plum Garden (8-11 Ume-enzaka, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Phone / 0557-85-2222 Organizer / Atami City Tourism Association Access / ■ From JR Atami Station, take the bus bound for Ainobara Danchi for about 15 minutes and get off at "Ume-en" ■ From Atami Station, take the Ito Line about 3 minutes to Kinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes Admission / Free Parking / 100 spaces in front of the plum garden (open only during the event) (Weekdays) 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Standard car 300 yen · Motorcycle & bicycle 100 yen · Microbus 1000 yen

Light up of Nagoya's Swans Garden Emphasized the brilliance of the lights.

"Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai" Additional and Special Performances Announced We are pleased to announce additional and special performances of Atami geisha's "Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai," normally staged every Saturday and Sunday at the Atami Geisha Kenban Kaburenjo. Please enjoy professional dance performances that are rarely seen in everyday life: the elegance of kimono styling, graceful comportment, and breathtaking beauty. Come together with friends and family and join us for these shows. Additional Performance / Monday, December 9, 2024, 11:00 AM (Admission: 2,500 yen) Special Performances / Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (national holiday) and Thursday, January 2, 2025, 11:00 AM (Admission: 3,000 yen) Note: No performances on Saturday, December 21, 2024; Sunday, December 22, 2024; Saturday, December 28, 2024; and Sunday, December 29, 2024. Address / 17-13 Chuocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (along the Hatsukawa River) Reservations and Inquiries / Atami Geisha Kenban, Tel: 0557-81-3575 Access / From JR Atami Station, take a bus bound for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes and get off at Shimizucho. Admission / 2,500 yen (tax included). January 1 and January 2: 3,000 yen. Free for elementary school children and younger. Parking / None (paid municipal parking available nearby) Performance Dates / Every Saturday and Sunday; December 9, 2024; January 1 and 2, 2025 Start Time / 11:00 AM (Performance runs about 30 minutes) Venue / Atami Geisha Kenban

[The moon has risen again] Saturday, November 9 Readings by the teachers (and in the village) The curtain has been drawn. This year, following on from last year, this is the second reading of the play. The subject was "The Tale of Taketori". The outfit is old-fashioned, but the content is comical. Dare to incorporate metallic sounds and guitar tones into the sound effects, etc. It was sprinkled with gimmicks to express the worldview. In a short training period There were only a few days when everyone was able to participate in practice. It was a long 50-minute performance. I hope that the audience will stay with us until the end. It was funny, it made me laugh and cry, etc. I was glad to hear your feedback. Cast members were: Nishiokoppe Elementary School teachers, Town hall staff (this trio is Popular in some areas), And it was a high school student who saw last year's recitation play and said, "I want to come out!" At the end of the day's work I wondered what next year's recitation play would be like. I'm itching now. If you would like to appear, please contact us Anytime! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Teachers' Recitation Drama #Recitation Drama #Taketori Monogatari #Princess Kaguya #Aliens and Humans #Apollo 11 #Kitchen Garden #Pharos is very active again this year

[Teachers' reading play] Continuing from last year, we will do it again this year. Readings by teachers. The cast is in addition to the teachers of Nishiokoppe Elementary School Town hall staff and high school students will participate. The subject is "The Tale of Taketori". What kind of story is Taketori Monogatari? Princess Kaguya? I guess it's an old-fashioned story... such as If you are interested, there is no doubt that you will enjoy the recitation play. Saturday, November 9 Open 13:00 / Start 13:30 At Nishiokoppe Elementary School Gymnasium It is a performance of about 40 minutes. It will be delivered with a script written by the director of Nishiokoppe Village. Please enjoy it. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Reading by teachers #Elementary school #High school student #Town hall staff #Kitchen Garden #Recitation #Taketori Monogatari

Thank you for waiting! We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 Atami Bay Fireworks Festival. 2025 (Reiwa 7) Atami Bay Fireworks Festival Dates Spring: February 21 (Fri), March 23 (Sun), April 20 (Sun), April 28 (Mon) Summer: July 25 (Fri), August 5 (Tue), August 8 (Fri), August 18 (Mon), August 25 (Mon) Autumn: September 15 (Mon, national holiday), October 13 (Mon, national holiday), November 3 (Mon, national holiday) Winter: December 7 (Sun) Time: 8:20 PM–8:40 PM (July and August only: 8:15 PM–8:40 PM) Venue: Atami Bay ※Held rain or shine * The above dates and times are current as of October 29, 2024. They may change depending on future circumstances, so please check the latest information on the Atami City Tourism Association official site “Atami News” or by calling the number below. Inquiries: Atami City Tourism Association Tel: 0557-85-2222

On October 14 and 19, we held the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival! Thank you for attending. The next event is on Monday, November 4, 2024.