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The smaller kokko on the lake
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The party started with an opea concert in the Järvi Hall..
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..which was fully occupied.
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Drinks and local girls.
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Finns waiting for the proceedings to start.
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Preparing food....
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...for hungry participants.
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Mr. Kunihito Kato, Chairman of Matsubarako Tourist Association, Koumi Town Assembly Member in his welcome speech.
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Painting faces on blocks of birch.
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Juhana Häkkänen (left) and Heikki Tenhunen, the fire masters.
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Marko Saarelainen gives his speech...
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...where he gave a brief history of FInland Village and the reasons why it is located in Matsubarako....
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...and also thanking Koumi machi for the great work they do in organizing the party.
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The Finns are introduced and Olli Juvonen, Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of Finland expresses his appreciation.
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Juhana Hakkanen, Finland Village Board member proposes a toast.
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Kippis!
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More painting.
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...and more food prepared.
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Singing by a local group.
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Participants enjoying the entertainment, and food.
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..as well as these.
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Opera singer performing.
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Akio Miya (center), one of the main organizers with Miki Sumino, interpreter.
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Mrs. Liisa@Ahlströ explaining about the kokko tradition in Finland.
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Getting prepared to see the kokko fired up.
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Prepare to set it on fire...
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...the Finns put light to the "kokko".
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Marko-san checks that it is properly done.
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...as well as the kokko expert, Mrs. Liisa Ahlström
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Smoke rising towards the sky.
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Participants admiring the fire.
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At right, Ichiro Inoue, the Village "Godfather" in Koumi.
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The "janken-taikai" was a fun game with nice prizes.
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The king of the competition, Juhana Häkkänen, beats a young lady...
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...a bit older lady...
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...another young lady...
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Juhi's supporters cheering.
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And in the final, he beats a very young lady.
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The winner's interview
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The smaller kokko on the lake is lighted up.
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Nice reflections in the water.
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The main kokko is fading while the small kokko on the water is still burning.
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Dancing into the night.
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Some happy Finns
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Having a rest on the stone.
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