On Midsummer's Day (26 June) Koumi machi and Finland Village organized the third Finnish style Midsummer party at the Village.
About more than 160 persons enjoyed a lot of good entertainment, food and drinks, and an original "Juhannuskokko".
IMAGES FROM THE PARTY
The MC's of the evening, Akio Miya and Kyoko Ide.
Mr. Kunihito Kato, Chairman of Matsubarako Tourist Association, Koumi Town Assembly Member in his welcome speech.
Dr. Katja Valaskivi, Director of The Finnish Institute in Japan, greets the party on behalf of the partiicpating Finns.
The participating Finns were introduced.
Brochures about Finland was distrubuted to participants at the reception desk.
Despite some dark clouds the event was carried out in fine weather.
Locals entertain the guests and sung among other things the Finlandia hymn in Japanese.
Young painters.
Young and younger ladies promoting Finnish Crispbread.
The "kokko" before it was set on fire.
...the Finns put light to the "kokko".
The kokko catching fire.
Juhana Häkkänen (left) and Heikki Tenhunen, the fire masters.
Mission accomplished!
A view from above.
The fire with Matsubarako village in the background.
Young gentlemen promoting the Crispbread.
A lot of fire.
The huge flame against a darkening sky....
Nice cloud pattern.
Finns having a brief rest.
Taiko drummers entertained the guest.
Taiko drummers with lake Choko in the background.
Finns enjoying the entertainment.
The organizers have a well deserved break.
The "janken-taikai" was a fun game with nice prizes.
The latest edition of SISU was distributed as prize.
The final - Japan against Finland. The Japanese stone won against the Finnish scissors.
Nice music with acoustic guitars and singing.
More singing by Kaori.
Enjoying beer and food.
Organizers pose for the camera.
Finns and Japanese dancing.
Akio Miya having a swing with Kaori, the singer.
Olli and Sirpa Juvonen show their style.
The photographer was banned from the further proceedings...
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