Many of us light ceremonial bonfires at home entrances in the evening, on the first and last date of obon period. The former called Mukae-Bi, while the latter Okuri-Bi to welcome/see off spirits of ancestors. Gozan-Okuri-Bi held in Kyoto on August 16th is quite famous as a beautiful summer spectacle along with Gi-On Festival.
Month: August 2014
Last before Obon
StandardThe last lesson before obon holidays was given by Master Mei-Shu today, rainy and nicely cool. After the “exercise”, she told Mei-Shun on the foundation of Kikunoe-Ryu (=a party for Japanese dance). Her older sister, called Mei-Shu I, became the first director of Kikunoe in 1992.
Hard Hit
StandardTyphoon Halong hit Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture this weekend. One junior high school there, designated as a shelter, has been inundated to force the evacuees to flee upstairs. Master Mei-Shu comes from that place. Mei-Shun felt so worried about her relatives and friends that e-mailed to her. No problem, she replied. It sounds great.
Japanese Culture@wkend
StandardMost of Japanese businesspersons enjoy obon summer holidays, dated normally from August 13 to 16. Spirits of ancestors are worshiped at home during this period. In fact, obon seems like utilized as power conservation campaign since 2011, when we were hit by the devastating earthquake in March.
Return to normal
StandardWhile using dental floss, something popped within the mouth. One metallic coating – it might cause the uncomfortable feeling continued for a few weeks. Mei-Shun had no pain, yet rushed to see her primary dentist. “Teeth would be worn out by aging”, she explained. “Stable metals are not compatible with such changes. So, a bit space between your tooth and metal resulted in this trouble.” A-ha!
Once A Year
StandardTuning care is indispensable for pianos. Since Mei-Shun plays hers just for pleasure, once-a-year treatment is given to it. Current person in charge seems a real piano lover – a squeak in pedal bothered Mei-Shun for a long time, yet he tried hard and finally beat it. Thanks, Mr. O.
Opposite Character Pls
StandardIt is very important to practice one dance well, preparing for a performance on the stage. However, as a matter of fact, we start to feel a bit bored of it little by little. Mei-shun always asks Master Mei-Shu to give a lesson which features all different character. Echigo-Shishi is a boy of 14-5 year old, mature ladies such as geisha or crazy woman are therefore preferred.
Mom Catcher
StandardCicadas, Mikan-chan’s only target, are rapidly increasing in number as sultry summer rages. Her favorite food, loved toy never stop Mikan-chan jumping onto a net window, where a cicada boy is buzzing. She always fails, left alone at a high place; while succeeds in hunting Mei-Shun.
Other Names Now
StandardTora-chan has a boyfriend. He is a stray cat who visits our garden at night – Mei-Shun often see them on a hush-hush date when she returns from summer lessons. Their last litter was named in musical instruments during their short stay with mom.
Marimba, lively and gentle boy
Viola, smart but shy girl
Piano, nasty boy, loves mom!
princess Harp, the prettiest
Master Sen-Sha
StandardKikunoe Party is headed by the symbolic name of kabuki star Mr. ONO-E, Kikunosuke. He is called Sen-Sha Kikunoe as a Master of Japanese dance. Mei-Shun met with him for the first time when she took an examination to be a natori (=accredited dancer) in 2012.
meishunkikunoe 