Rousokuda-se August 7 is Tanabata Day in Hokkaido. In Nishiokoppe Village, children parade through the village, and it’s a day when they receive sweets instead of candles! “Bring out the candles—bring them out!” When they arrive at houses that have prepared treats, the children sing in unison. Since this event happens only once a year, they started out singing a little shyly. Watching parents clap along and sing with them help raise the energy. As more sweets are collected, their singing grows livelier. At the final stop, the elementary school, they sing at the top of their lungs and get fireworks! Even after walking for more than an hour, the children’s energy is remarkable. They go wild over sparklers and aerial fireworks. While parading through town, junior high students carry bags of candy, and older elementary children walk hand in hand with those from the nursery. It was a soothing night to witness those scenes. #Nishiokoppe Village #Rousokuda-se #elementary school #PTA #What they want are sweets #Tanabata #August 7 #Hokkaido