Shrine Festival A shrine festival giving thanks for the autumn harvest was held recently. The Kamiokoppe area held its festival on September 7, and Nishiokoppe held theirs on September 11. In the mornings, lanterns hung from the streetlights and other decorations fluttered in the breeze. The mikoshi procession featured blue and orange happi coats, colorful banners and fans carried by elementary and middle school students, and the bright costumes of the o-chigo children. From preschoolers to adults, people of many generations living in the village formed a line and paraded through the town for about two hours. A lion dance performed by five middle school students was also splendid. There were so many shutter moments that my photo folder is full.