Komu Museum of Art Christmas Festival Thank you to everyone who visited the Komu Museum of Art Christmas Festival! 🎄🧑‍🎄 Although the planned performance by the Nishinaka High School brass band was canceled, we enjoyed a warm Komu time listening to a reading by Sumikko Sumi-chan and a live set by Riku Nakanishi. Sumikko Sumi-chan read many Christmas and winter picture books and kamishibai in her clear, pure voice. She changed her tone for each character, and children who had been absorbed in block play were suddenly captivated. Riku Nakanishi has visited Nishiokoppe several times through connections with Local Friends. Alongside original songs, he mixed in Christmas tunes, letting his gentle voice and guitar fill the space with a Santa-world atmosphere. Setoushi‑kun also appeared that day, giving visitors sweets and handmade keychains as gifts! The Christmas decorations placed throughout the museum were lovely. - There are about ten days left in the year. Komu is open through Monday, December 29. The museum reopens on Sunday, January 4. We look forward to your visits on event days and any other days. #Komu Museum of Art #December 6 #Setoushi‑kun #Riku Nakanishi #Sumikko Sumi-chan #Board of Education

Mayu Kondo — Introduction Video to Nishiokoppe Village [②] - The second introduction video of Nishiokoppe Village is now available - Mayu Kondo, a singer-songwriter who also works as a YouTuber. Her first trip to Hokkaido was, surprisingly, to Nishiokoppe Village!? From Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. A one-hour drive from the airport brings you to Nishiokoppe Village. Her first stop was Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., which manufactures electric guitar bodies. In Kondo’s video, she gives a detailed report on the factory work and the body manufacturing process🎸 The video also showcases Forest Park, where you can bat and go bouldering; Komu – Forest Art Museum, an indoor facility with wooden playground equipment and toys; Kuuraku, a dining spot inside Forest Park; and Nishiokoppe Guest House GA.KOPPER. Soothing narration from Kondo carries you through a video full of highlights to the end. Mayu Kondo Thank you for visiting Nishiokoppe Village! #Settlement Promotion #Introduction Video #Mayu Kondo #Influencer #Singer-Songwriter #Eat #Stay

Kopi: Introduction Video to Nishiokoppe Village [1] - The introduction video to Nishiokoppe Village has been released ① - Kopi is active as a singer, actor, and influencer. Following last year, Kopi visited Nishiokoppe Village again this year! Over a one-night, two-day stay, she toured many spots in Nishiokoppe Village and introduced them to viewers 🏃🏃🏃 The Experience Farm, where visitors can stay long-term while taking part in agricultural activities, Forest Park, where you can play at a batting center and go-karts, the village’s only supermarket Q Mart, Tao Shoten, where you can buy venison and bear meat sourced within the village, Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., which manufactures electric guitar bodies, GA.KOPPER, a guest house renovated from a wooden junior high school that closed down, and Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu, where you can enjoy a flower park. In a roughly 30-minute video, all of these are tightly packed together ✨ For more on Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., watch the upcoming YouTube video featuring Mayu Kondo or Kopi’s past videos to see detailed manufacturing processes 👀 Fans of Kopi won’t want to miss her cooking scenes. Don’t miss how she enjoys Nishiokoppe venison and Kouei beef! Watching the video will make you want to eat it 🤤 Kopi braved the cold of Hokkaido in October to convey the experience. Thank you, Kopi, for visiting Nishiokoppe Village! #Settlement promotion #Introduction video #Kopi #Influencer #Actor #Eat #Stay

[Shimekazari-style Arrangement ②] Works I couldn’t fully introduce 🌿 Shimenawa Decoration Shimekazari-style Arrangement Lesson

Shimenawa-style arrangements completed They turned out absolutely lovely We created shimenawa-style arrangements! A workshop was held to decorate shimenawa with dried flowers, foliage, and berries. Mr. Sato drove all the way from Kitahiroshima to onesmanorgarden, braving winter roads once again. He brought a large supply of materials, so it was fun just to look and fun to choose. While making them, people worried and struggled when things didn’t go as planned, but it was still enjoyable. Seeing a neighbor’s piece, you’d think, “That arrangement works too!” or “That color combination is amazing!”—reactions that escaped everyone’s lips. Even before finishing, imaginations ran wild with thoughts like, “Next time I’d like to try making it this way.” There were three lessons over two days: early afternoon, evening, and the next morning. A total of 18 people took part. Thank you very much 🌿 The next time we’ll see Mr. Sato will be next year――― I wonder when that will be. We’re looking forward to what he’ll create next and what flowers and foliage we’ll encounter… Can’t wait! shimenawa decoration arrangement lesson dried flowers year-end New Year

Window Art at Kamu On display until around noon on Friday, December 26th! 📍Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu Throughout December, the windows inside the facility are filled with drawings.🖍 With a Christmas and sweets theme, children from the nursery, elementary and junior high students, and adults have decorated the windows. The windows beside the karakuri organ feature impressive works by five villagers! We hope you enjoy seeing how each piece combines Christmas and sweets. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #window art #Roadside Station #Kamu #winter #Christmas #sweets #drawing

CAPO Marche We visited Ooyachi CAPO in March, and we’re going again this month! The CAPO Marche runs for four days from Friday, December 12th to Monday, December 15th. On the first two days, booths will feature Rausucho, Makubetsu, Shibecha, Rankoshicho, Shikaoicho and Nishiokoppe Village. On the last two days, delicious products will arrive from Toyoura-cho, Kembuchicho, Shimokawacho, Nayoro City, Moseushi Town and Shibetsu City. Opening hours vary by day, so please check the announcements. From Nishiokoppe Village, we’ll bring popular items from last time such as milk and cheese, wild vegetables, and canned venison and bear meat. Four days filled with proud specialties from around Hokkaido. Come to Ooyachi CAPO. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Ooyachi CAPO #CAPO Marche #Delicious #Winter

[Winter Version of Pochi Bags Arrives] Pochi bags produced by Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko featuring illustrations of Setoushi-kun. This winter, poch i bags themed for Christmas and New Year will be displayed at facilities around the village. One member of the drum team designed motifs inspired by Christmas and the New Year. Each design is sold in a set of three. The price is 200 yen. All three bags in a set have different illustrations, so we hope you enjoy the moment of deciding who to give them to. The regular versions we have produced and sold so far—five-piece and three-piece sets—remain available. Why not use a pochi bag to give a small amount of money or a message? On sale at Hotel Rimu, Roadside Station Kamu, and Komu – Forest Art Museum. We also welcome performance requests for Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko. For inquiries, please contact ni.uentaiko2488 at mark gmail.com. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Setoushi-kun #Pochi bags #Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko #Winter #Christmas #Otoshidama

Tomoya Kaneko Solo Live in Nishiokoppe Born in Shimokawacho, Tomoya Kaneko is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a radio host and variety show personality. In Nishiokoppe Village, there was someone who attended the same high school and belonged to the same soft tennis club as Kaneko. That person invited Kaneko and organized the live event. As part of Nishiokoppe Village’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the concert used village subsidies and received support from the organizing committee members as well as many villagers and people from outside the village. At the entrance and in front of the hall at Hotel Rimu, the live venue, life-size (slightly smaller) panels of Kaneko and a welcome board greeted guests. Inside the venue, Tomoya Kaneko fans’ uchiwa fans were placed on each table, and the stage featured illuminated letters reading KANEKO TOMOYA. Kaneko’s humor-filled talk and passionate singing electrified the audience. During the show, as people approached to take photos, a sweaty Kaneko was nearby. Standing alone on stage in front of 110 guests, he shone as he entertained the crowd. He joyfully responded to segments that brought children onstage, and the excited children, even when they weren’t onstage, stood toward the back of the hall and swayed happily. Thank you to everyone who helped with video production and the raffle, and to all who came to the venue. Tomoya Kaneko, thank you for coming!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Tomoya Kaneko #Live #Setoushi-kun #100th Anniversary of Village Founding #Music #Live

Dance, Dance, Dance Dance is closer to strength training than I thought…! I realized that when I joined a dance lesson held in Nishiokoppe Village. The instructor who taught us was Toshimasa Miya, a teacher at EOS DANCE STUDIO in Asahikawa City. This was the second time Miya came to Nishiokoppe Village. I couldn’t attend the first lesson, but when I heard a second session would be held, I went to loosen my exercise-starved body. As soon as the lesson began, music started playing. I was surprised and thought, “Are we already dancing?” but we began with stretches set to the music. It seems they teach you to get into the habit of moving to the rhythm from the stretching stage. They say dance isn’t about moving your body as fast or as much as possible; what matters is moving to the rhythm. They also explained that if you get better at moving specific parts of your body, you can express more delicate whole-body movements in dance. The smaller the movements, the more your muscles and mind work. To keep your center steady while making various motions, you also need to strengthen your core. Not being a regular dancer, I moved my arms and legs with all my might and ended up soaked in sweat. It’s hard to move smoothly like the teacher or snap into sharp motions at times, but when you move your body fully and use your limbs the way you imagined, it feels great. While learning dance basics, people from elementary school age to adults enjoyed trying out dance. A dance lesson is scheduled again after the New Year. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get moving, or if you want to feel soothed watching people move joyfully, come and join the next lesson. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #dance #dance lesson #EOS DANCE STUDIO #Asahikawa #winter #exercise

[Nishiokopper Live] GA.KOPPER Event Announcement📢 Friday, December 19 Doors open at 6:30 PM / Show starts at 7:00 PM At GA.KOPPER Guesthouse, Nishiokoppe Village Nishiokopper Live is coming up! This event is organized by villagers of Nishiokoppe Village who call themselves "Nishiokopper," and it's for the Nishiokopper community. Enjoy both light-hearted and wholehearted performances that will warm your body and soul on a cold winter night. Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase. Free admission. For inquiries, please call 090-6446-7689 (Asano). #NishiokopperLive #Nishiokopper #GAKOPPER #Guesthouse #Nishiokoppe #Hokkaido #Christmas #Winter

Christmas Wreath Making Onesmanorgarden, which designs and builds gardens, invited garden planner Yuka Sato as an instructor to host a fun hands-on crafting session. What we made was a Christmas wreath using eucalyptus leaves and other foliage. In April we made wreaths from dried hydrangeas, but this time a row of fresh, live leaves was laid out. Surrounded by the scent of nioi-hiba, we first trimmed long branches into shorter lengths. From there we made the components to attach to the ring, glued them together, and tied them onto the ring with wire. We repeated that process over and over until the ring was covered. The steps are very simple. However… from start to finish you have to keep the volume consistent, bundle while considering the balance of leaves and berries, and skillfully fill in gaps so none remain. It really makes you think. Our fingertips turned dark from the leaf oils as we worked in silence, and after about three to four hours we finished a lush, full wreath! Adding gold or silver pine cones and wrapping ribbons changed each piece’s final impression during the finishing touches. Participants took their finished works home and seemed to hang them on walls and elsewhere in their homes. As time passes and they dry, their color and texture change. It was a project that let us enjoy qualities different from dried pieces. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Wreath making #Christmas #Eucalyptus #Pine cone #Handicraft

Komu Christmas Party! Saturday, December 6 Christmas Festival at Komu – Forest Art Museum🎄 ☆ Performance by the Nishiokoppe Junior High School Brass Band🎶 11:30–12:00 @ Mokumu Island The band’s annual performance returns! ☆ Riku Nakanishi Christmas Live 13:00–13:40 @ Santa World🧑‍🎄 Riku will come to Komu with just his guitar♪ ☆ Sumikko Sumi-chan Storytime📖 First session 11:00 Second session 14:00 @ Building Block Room She will read Christmas picture books. Gather wherever you can hear Sumi-chan’s voice! Events will take place throughout the museum. You’re sure to soak up the Christmas spirit! We look forward to your visit🙌🎄 Komu – Forest Art Museum Winter hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission accepted until 16:10 Admission fees: Adults and high school students 500 yen 4th grade to junior high school students 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary 100 yen Under 3 years old free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Komu – Forest Art Museum #Christmas #December 6 #Nishiokoppe Junior High School Brass Band #Riku Nakanishi #Sumikko Sumi-chan #Board of Education

Christmas Window Art Would you like to paint on the large windows of Michi-no-Eki Kamu? Sunday, November 30 10:00–11:30: Join our window-painting event! Location: Michi-no-Eki Nishiokoppe Flower Park Kamu. The flower park closes for winter, making the roadside station a bit quiet. We planned this event to fill the windows with art and brighten the day of everyone who visits. Everyone is welcome, both villagers and visitors, children and adults alike. Participants will receive a Setoushi-kun baked treat and string cheese. Capacity: 20 people. Spots are first come, first served, so please sign up early. Apply / Inquiries: Tourist Information Center Satom 0158-85-7125 Komata 090-1384-4167 Michi-no-Eki Nishiokoppe Flower Park Kamu Opening hours: 9:00–16:00 (November–February) Closed: Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a holiday, closed the following day) Phone: 0158-87-2333 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Roadside Station #Hanamu #November 30 #Window Art #Painting #Christmas #Gift #Setoushi-kun baked treat #String cheese #Yumeura Mori no Garden #Milk Design

Green Woodwork A workshop used freshly cut, still-damp “green wood” to make everyday items. Participants used only simple tools like knives and shaving horses. For middle school students and older they offered sessions to make wooden spatulas, mini spoons, and small plates. Elementary school children could also join a session to make house ornaments. Under the instruction of Mariko Kusakari, four classes were held in total. I peeked into the house ornament session. The elementary children cut and shaved the wood themselves with support from parents and staff. They touched the wood’s end grain to confirm it was still damp and noticed that different species gave off different scents. Handing tools to children can be nerve‑wracking, but adults stepped in when needed and otherwise watched as the kids did the work. Pieces that started round gradually took on angular, almost pentagonal shapes. After cutting each piece to a chosen size, participants painted them and added a string or wire to finish the ornament. The display included a variety of shapes and colors, each full of personality. We live in a world where many things are easy to buy, so having the chance to make everyday items yourself is truly rewarding. I think I’ll join the wooden spatula workshop next time. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Green Woodwork #green wood #handicrafts #everyday items #mokuiiku (wood learning) #Komu Museum of Art

Sparkling Korakuen: An Evening Tea Gathering Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 At Korakuen, where the maple trees had turned crimson, a light-up and tea gathering took place. Inside the garden stands Korakutei, a tea room used several times a month for tea practice and tea gatherings for children. Still, many village residents had never stepped into Korakutei, and many had only viewed Korakuen’s garden from outside. For regular walkers and those who don’t usually go out alike, these two days provided an opportunity to visit Korakuen. Because the garden has almost no lighting, lights placed along the walking paths glittered in the darkness. A gentle, light rain fell that night. The softly sweet tea sweets and the warm, full-bodied tea warmed us through. Even without knowing tea ceremony etiquette, I found the tea room’s refined, comforting atmosphere soothing, and I visited many times. (Refills of tea were available 🧉) Despite the poor footing due to the weather, many people came—thank you very much. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Traditional Japanese garden #Korakuen #Autumn foliage light-up #Tea gathering #Night #Autumn

Teachers’ Staged Reading "Hanasaki-yama" Saturday, November 15 At Nishiokoppe Village Community Center Large Hall The teachers will present a staged reading. This year’s program is the picture book Hanasaki-yama, written by Ryusuke Saito and illustrated by Jiro Takidaira. We will deliver a story incorporating the episodes of “Hachiro” and “Miko” that appear in this tale. The cast includes elementary and junior high school teachers, elementary school students, and fellow villagers. Including staff, people of various ages will work together to create a single production. Admission free Doors open at 1:30 PM, performance starts at 2:00 PM. Recommended for ages elementary school and up. Please come and see the teachers doing their best on stage. For inquiries, call 090-9086-8268 (Yamamoto). #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #staged reading #teachers’ staged reading #Hanasaki-yama #November 15 #Community Center Large Hall #Board of Education

Autumn Nature Walk in Miyanomori Miyanomori surrounds Forest Park. I heard we could stroll through Miyanomori, and about 20 people, from children to adults, gathered. You can walk from the foot to the summit and back in just over an hour on Miyanomori. Fallen leaves covered the ground, and with every step I heard the rustle of leaves. At first everyone walked at the same pace, but the energetic children pressed on, moving steadily ahead. As we walked, people stopped when something caught their eye, staring at it or reaching out to touch it. In the clear air, we fully savored the autumn forest. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Miyanomori #Walk #Autumn #Mushrooms

Gathered Around the Campfire It was around the time when overnight lows started hovering near 0°C. Children gathered at the BBQ house behind Hotel Morumu, forming a circle around the campfire. They tried lighting the fire, cutting wood, and grilling food. With temperatures too cool for short sleeves, the area around the fire felt warm and cozy. With help from adults and older students, each child had the chance to try whatever they wanted at their own pace. Sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkin, bread, sausages, marshmallows, and more were roasted. Many items turned out well with little charring! Soon the season for campfires and outdoor grilling will come to an end. The garden beside the BBQ house was steadily preparing for winter. I can’t help but feel a little excited already, wondering what winter delights await. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #campfire #roasted sweet potato #hands-on experience #mokuiiku (wood learning) #autumn

ComCom Halloween This season has come around again! Halloween! Happy Halloween!! Strictly speaking it isn’t the day yet, but the Forest Museum ‘‘Komu’’ is full of Halloween decorations, so do come and visit 🎃 A corner that felt like moon-viewing until recently has splendidly taken on more orange. By the way, the pampas grass seen in front of the window was grown in the garden behind Hotel Morumu. If you snap a photo of your child sitting in the car, it will surely turn out adorable! The exterior visible from outside is also dressed in Halloween colors, so take your time to look from corner to corner. Forest Museum Komu Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 *From November the museum closes at 16:30 Admission: High school and older 500 yen Grades 4–6 and junior high school 300 yen Ages 3 to grade 3 100 yen Under 3 free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Museum Komu #Halloween #Decorations #Setoushi-kun

Tomoya Kaneko Live in Nishiokoppe Centennial Celebration of Nishiokoppe Village Singer-songwriter from Shimokawa Town Tomoya Kaneko will perform a live concert in Nishiokoppe Village! The show opens with BEAR HUGS, Nishiokoppe Village’s visual-kei rock band, who also appeared at this year’s entertainment show, to get the crowd going 🐻 Friday, November 21 at Hotel Morimu Plum Hall, Nishiokoppe Village Doors open 18:00 Show starts 18:30 All-you-can-drink with light refreshments included Unreserved seats High school and older: ¥5,000 Junior high and younger: ¥1,500 Preschool children: Free Reservations by QR code or phone. Tel 070-9097-3611 (Tsushima) Tel 080-6728-1980 (Henmi) Tel 090-2768-8710 (Dan) Our staff are working hard to make this a fun show 😆 We look forward to seeing many of you! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Live #Tomoya Kaneko #Singer-songwriter #Centennial celebration of village founding #BEAR HUGS #Hotel Morimu

Kourakuen Autumn Leaves Light-Up & Evening Tea Gathering Located behind Hotel Morumu the authentic Japanese garden Kourakuen This garden is known for its beautifully carpeted moss, and in autumn it becomes a lovely spot to enjoy colorful fall foliage. Kourakuen will shine even more with a light-up on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 for two nights! Alongside the autumn leaves light-up, an evening tea gathering will also be held. 🍁Autumn Leaves Light-Up💡 5:00 PM–9:00 PM 🧉Evening Tea Gathering🧉 6:30 PM–8:30 PM Admission is free. There is a parking area beside the garden behind Hotel Morumu, so please park there if you are coming by car. Inquiries: Nishiokoppe Village Office, Industry and Construction Division, Forestry and Commerce Section 0158-87-2111 Please enjoy Kourakuen on an autumn evening. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #authentic Japanese garden #Kourakuen #autumn leaves light-up #tea gathering #night #autumn

Theatrical Troupe Kazenoko Tohoku "From Fukushima" A one-man play by Osamu Sawada "From Fukushima" March 11, 2011 Memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the years that followed. Stories from Fukushima are told. Performance Details Tuesday, October 21 Doors open 18:00 Performance starts 18:30 At Hotel Morimu Plum Hall Free for junior high school students and younger 500 yen for high school students and older Organized by the Friends of Troupe Kazenoko Tohoku Contact 090-8631-0781 (Hiroyuki Kikukawa) #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #theatrical troupe #Kazenoko #Tohoku #Osamu Sawada #one-man play #Fukushima #Great East Japan Earthquake

Blue Clear Stream Festival In Nishiokoppe Village a support facility for people with disabilities called Seiryuu no Sato. For the first time since the Reiwa era began the Seiryuu Festival, open to the general public, was held! Facility users and staff wore matching blue T-shirts, so whether you looked at the sky or at people, it was blue, blue, blue. Fourteen food and craft stalls lined the venue, and the crowd swelled just from the vendors gathering. At the booth where I was helping, 100 servings of udon and soba sold out in just over an hour after the festival began. Our neighbor’s stall (Koei beef bowls and curry!) also sold out around the same time, which made me realize how many people had come. On stage, a spade shamisen performance, bingo, and acts by facility users livened up the event. At the end, many people were handed spades and each swayed to the rhythm or danced through the venue as they liked. Under a clear autumn sky, it was a day that left us feeling very energized. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Seiryuu no Sato #Welfare facility #Seiryuu Festival #Spade shamisen

[Forest Park’s Last Open Day Is 100 Yen Again!?] The final open day at Nishiokoppe Village Forest Park is Sunday, October 19. You can play on the playground equipment, have a picnic on the lawn, or pitch a tent and spend the night. Thank you for using the park so much this year. On the last weekend, all playground equipment can be used for 100 yen each! Also, camping that normally costs 500 yen per tent is available for one night at 100 yen! *Overnight stays are also allowed on Sunday the 19th.* Enjoy every last moment while you can. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Park #This season’s last open day #100 Yen Festival #Playground equipment #Tents

Autumn Nishiokoppe Market This year's autumn market was scheduled for Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st. The first day was calm and pleasantly mild, and many people came from inside and outside the village. The vendors were the familiar faces. Udon, soba, tempura, Ezo deer meatballs, and venison braised in red wine were available to eat at the venue Chiffon cake, Setoushi-kun yaki, umeboshi garlic and sweet potato sticks made good souvenirs. At the children's festival, a string-draw lottery appeared, and children pulled the strings with focused looks as they eyed the prizes they wanted. There was also a chance to try silk screen printing. From Seiryu no Sato fresh vegetables were on sale. The variety and low prices surprised everyone. The vegetables are also sold inside the Roadside Station building, so please consider buying some. The market's second day was unfortunately canceled due to severe weather. The next market will be held next spring. After a whole winter and once the snow melts, let's meet again—see you then! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Autumn Market #Roadside Station #Kamumu #Flower Park

The Power of Books, the Power to Live A Project in Cooperation with Shanti Volunteer Association "The Power of Books, the Power to Live" Through books, start close to home and then look toward the world— Under that concept, with the help of two people from Myanmar who live in Nishiokoppe Village, we created translated picture books to send to Myanmar. What kind of country is Myanmar? What is its situation right now? First, we spent time learning about Myanmar. Then we held picture-book readings in Japanese and Burmese. After enjoying the differences in Burmese and Japanese pronunciation, it was time to make the translated picture books. Using a Burmese kana comparison chart, we cut and pasted Burmese translation stickers onto every page, repeating the process. At the end, they taught us how to write our own names in Burmese. Having two people who speak Burmese meant we could ask questions when we lost track of where stickers should go, and learn things that you can’t get from reading materials alone, such as stroke order. Thanks to them, we felt Burmese become more familiar to us. The translated picture books we made that day will reach Myanmar around next summer. We entrusted the books to the Shanti Volunteer Association while wondering what Myanmar will be like then and what we ourselves will be doing at that time. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Shanti Volunteer Association #Translated picture books #Myanmar #The Power of Books, the Power to Live #Burmese

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

Shrine Festival The Kamikoppu area holds its shrine festival on September 7, and Nishiokoppe Village celebrates its shrine festival on September 11. It’s the day when people parade through their neighborhood with the portable shrine. In Kamikoppu, a night-before celebration called yomiya-sai is also held, making for a lively few days. In Nishiokoppe, an entertainment show takes place on the evening of the festival day, where villagers perform and enjoy drinks together while watching the acts. People wearing happi coats and children dressed as ochigo (festival pages) add to the festive atmosphere. Walking through the streets of Kamikoppu, I heard the taiko drums echo off the surrounding mountains and return as a distant rumble. I’ll post about the entertainment show in a separate entry. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Shrine Festival #Autumn #Mikoshi (portable shrine) #Procession #Ochigo (festival child) #Happi coat #Mochimaki (rice cake throwing)

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