Culture Night Friday, July 25 At the Forest Museum Komu, the yearly Culture Night took place. Normally Komu closes at 5:00 PM, but for this night only it stayed open until 8:00 PM. Since people usually visit Komu during daylight hours, entering the museum at night felt like sneaking into school—full of excitement. That evening, not only the young children who often use Komu but also middle school students who came to see their friends from the brass band and many adults arrived one after another. For some locals who live nearby but rarely stop by these days, it was a rare chance to step into Komu again. Inside the building, the Nishiokoppe Junior High School brass band performed, and the puppet-theater group Doremi staged “The Mischievous Ghost Kenmun.” Among the performances, a trio by three third-year brass-band students left a strong impression. Trumpet, horn, and euphonium. Each instrument had its highlight passages, and their overlapping harmonies were very beautiful. The puppet show put on by village volunteers collaborated with lighting to create a vivid, immersive performance. After the shows, there was time to interact with the puppets and instruments. The children who played until they were drenched in sweat likely slept soundly that night. We look forward to next year’s Culture Night. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Museum Komu #Culture Night #mokuiiku (wood learning) #brass band #puppet theater