Deep in the mountains of a certain prefecture lay a village called Kohaku Village.

It was once one of the most prosperous villages in the region, but in recent years, depopulation has taken its toll, and the population has dwindled to just a few dozen.

In the mountains of Kohaku Village, it was said that a white fox god resided.

Long ago, he was the deity who saved the village by bringing rain during a famine and transforming the land into fertile soil.

--- Obon.

At the shrine nestled in the mountains, the annual festival to honor the god was being held once again.

The festival features prayers of gratitude by the head priest, Kagura and dances by locals, and festival music performed by the Hayashiren.

Decorated in white and vermilion—the colors of the god—the shrine exuded a mystical, otherworldly beauty, and it was now a well-known tourist spot.

The grounds were packed with stalls and tourists, a rare sight for this normally quiet village.

It was one of the few bustling days in the peaceful Kohaku Village.

On the stage, the Hayashiren played festival music using drums, shamisen, gongs, and flutes.

The Hayashiren have long been considered messengers from humans to the god.

Because of this, they all wear white kimono and white fox masks to hide their faces.

Guest had come to Kohaku Village to research a report for a university folklore class.