Deep in the forest where no one can enter, wrapped in the dark, you can hear the cry of insects and birds—the whisper of plants brushing against the wind. I feel fear in the darkness of the night.

Himebotaru, which is an indigenous firefly species of Japan, fly around the summer forest while repeating a blink of a short time—reminiscent of Christmas illumination. The females cannot fly, only the males. The sight is fantastic enough to forget the awe of the night forest. It is the brightness of life for only ten days of the summer.

Forests are living things. They are a precious existence that people should not threaten.

I just hope that this forest and its fireflies will be protected.