Japanese tols are not strong enough for tough Finnish men; from left: Tino Varhama, Esa and Seppo Rantanen.
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A suitable task for a man in the transport industry, Eero Tammila of Finnair.
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Starting to assemble the kokko.
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The kokko taking its shape.
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Marko and Moris Saarelainen prepared for party!
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Offering local delicacies.
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The making of soba.
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Master cutting the dough.
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...and boiling the soba.
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Selling drinks and food.
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No Finnish Midsummer party without sausages!
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Selling local bread and cakes.
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Local souvenirs.
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Enjoying food and drinks.
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Painting for the kids.
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Seppo Kimanen, Counsellor (Press and Culture) at the Embassy of Finland makes a speech on behalf of the Finnish side. Center Koumi-machi Mayor Koike-san and Matsubara-ko tourist association head Kurosawa-san.
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The stage set up for the event.
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Timo Varhama is equipped and supplied in a Finnish way.
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Locals enjoying food and drinks.
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Food and drink stalls.
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Seppo Rantanen does not complain about weather.
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Ladies seeking refugee in the log house.
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Marko Saarelainen explains about the kokko tradition.
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The 'fire men' getting ready.
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Erik Ullner 'lights up'.
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Vesa Kinnunen checks the result.
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But then the rain and wet wood gets the better of the fire. Time to think...
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Tough situations require radical measures, despite high oil prices.
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Meanwhile the audience...
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...enjoy some entertainment.
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The most popular performers.
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Even more radical measures to get the fire on.
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Meanwhile the kokko on the lake is doing just fine.
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Sailing out on lake Choko.
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The efforts paid off, a good fire catching on.
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Almost like a heat image, but the log cabin was safe.
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Akio Miya and Mai Hiramatsu having a good time.
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Ending off the evening with a Finland-Japan table tennis match.
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