Nishiokoppe’s Test of Courage A night spent in costume isn’t just about the Bon Odori. In Nishiokoppe, the summer test of courage has recently become an annual tradition. During summer vacation, the children gather starting in the early afternoon for strategy meetings, making ghost costumes, a candy party, and bug hunting. This day also happened to be the day a traveling bookstore from Shimokawa visited. Pom overflowed with books and children. In the evening came the long-awaited watermelon-splitting game. When I was a child, many people used to give false directions so the watermelon wouldn’t get broken, but the children in Nishiokoppe guided us properly. After we finished eating, it was finally time to march around. The people playing ghosts took their positions, and the rest of us walked toward the elementary school and Forest Park. They were more funny-costume scare actors than truly scary ghosts. We strolled through the night town with a few laughs. Along the way, the owner of Yukimichi Bookshop told a frightening story, but people listening dwindled as the tale went on. I wonder how terrifying it really was. When it got chilly, we held a handheld firework finale before saying goodbye! There were so many fireworks everyone brought that people held them in both hands and tried lighting several sparklers at once. Adults rekindled their inner child, and it was a delightful night. Thanks to the kids who organized it!! Thanks also to the support from teens and adults. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Summer vacation #Test of courage #Summer night #Watermelon-splitting #Fireworks #Travelling Yukimichi Bookshop #August 18th