Japanese Culture@holiday

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We had a 5-day holiday called “Silver Week” from 19th to today this year. It includes Respect for the Elderly Day, which has been celebrated on the third Monday of September due to our Happy Monday System while Autumnal Equinox Day on Wednesday. Such arrangement makes Tuesday a national holiday to make us even happier. And many of us hope to have this consecutive holidays every year along with “Golden Week” in May.

Horse Hiking

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Beginners normally practice within a circle set in the sand ground of the club. It is exciting and enjoyable enough, yet sometimes we feel like going out of here into surrounding woods. And today, this little dream has come true. Putting on her new protective vest, Mei-Shun made an excursion on a horse named Zui-Setsu (随雪 in Chinese character maybe, meaning ever-snowing).

Expecting boots.

Expecting boots.

Surprise Gift

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Thank you so much, Professor S. She kindly sent Mei-Shun a delicacy of handmade again. Truly amazing is her technique and sense of beauty to employ such cute rose-shaped crystal beads. And this jade rose represents her warm regards. That must be why it just fits on the little cup behind Mei-Shun’s collarbone.

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Purrr ... I love it, too.

Purrr … I love it, too.

Necessary Costume

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… for horseback riding includes a helmet, a vest, slim pants called culottes, boots and gloves. Mei-Shun ordered all (thanks a million, Shin), has not yet received any except for a pair of culottes. She is so much looking forward to seeing them soon. On the other hand, Japanese dance requires at least one cotton yukata, made with a texture on which a pattern of school where a dancer belongs to is dyed. Kikunoe Ryu has chosen this one, a pair of chrysanthemum profiles bound in calyx.

Daki-hiraki-kiku

Daki-hiraki-kiku

Southern Hemisphere

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Professor M, one of Mei-Shun’s most respected friends while a co-student of Master Mei-Shu, visited Republic of South Africa. It is his first experience to reach the southernmost country of the African Continent. They say water whirls anticlockwise there — is it true?

Sweet Girl

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Here is Omochi-chan again. Mikan-chan found this stool the best place this morning. Yes, it’s cool, honey. Tasty season has come. Chestnut, sweet potato, pumpkin, pear, grape and green orange … Oh, mom has to make a reservation to see Dr. M, her home dentist!

I'm steamy.

I’m steamy.

Tuning Please

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Ms. Piano has not heard from the musical instruments company — she must have been tuned last month. Mei-Shun cannot recognize her trouble, yet professional care of once a year is indispensable to keep her healthy. Don’t you think so, Choco-chan and Ohagi-chan?

Sweet couple

Sniff, it’s not a toffee.

Introductory Lesson

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Thanks, Maroo. He is very handsome and kind, a white pony, 20 years old, played a role of Mei-Shun’s partner yesterday. Our club let us prepare for riding; we have to brush his/her body, clean inside horseshoes, put cushions on the back, etc., before lessons. Nice idea it seems — we agree with them. Soft pats and gentle talking during preparation would help our wordless conversation.

After 23 Wks

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So is a sigh of relief again. Mei-Shun feels so happy to see Dr. A, ever smiling to give a report of no problem once a month. After this “ceremony”, a small party is waiting for her at home; a sundae in the refrigerator. Her diet normally allows sweets only in the morning, yet such a treat helps her continue it.

Typhoon Etau

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It raged through Chubu area yesterday, leaving hard rainfall around here. Mei-Shun heard a Heavy Rain Emergency Warning via our municipal radio communication system for the first time in her life. “Once in half a decade”, the weather forecast says. Shin told her to keep it on and stay home all day long. Yes, we are good girls. Please take care.