The bat seems to have returned to our air conditioner – Mei-Shun found a piece of “droppings” on the floor. When she pressed the covering bottom, more fell from the narrow slit between the equipment and the wall. We decided to call a professional, who must be an animal lover, to deal with it.
A Wig to perform
StandardMei-Shun saw a wig fitter today for her performance in November. Interestingly, such wigs are tailor-made from scratch in Kanto area including Tokyo. However, in Kansai area of Osaka, shops have an enormous number of wigs in various size and shape: Japanese dancers have to fit their heads to the wigs.
Lion Head
StandardEchigo-Shishi puts on a shishi (=mythical lion)-shaped cap, with a piece of cloth like a curtain. Dancers open/close it to show/veil their faces, meaning two characteristics; a human being and an artistic entity. Timing is very important, needs a lot of practice.
Cheer Up
StandardOn the last stage, one of “sister” students under Master Mei-Shu’s wing gave Mei-Shun a pot of gorgeous cymbidium. Young leaves came out in June, so bloom in autumn has been expected. However, they started to get black at ends these days … caused by a wrong care?
See You Again
StandardDriving her husband to the nearest station, Mei-Shun found a body of a kitten lying on the road. Feeling so sad, she made a phone call to the municipal office. The staff in charge sounded gentle, telling Mei-Shun that he would take care of her/him immediately. Good for you, kitty.
Serious Problem?
StandardWhen Mei-Shun practices a dance at home, her husband often jokes, trying to copy her. It’s so funny – yet sometimes makes her wonder if it’s true: does she look comical while making a serious story on stage?
First after Obon
StandardMei-Shun was very lazy during obon holidays. No exercise, too much eating — the worst way for dancers. She returns to normal today, feeling refreshed, yet putting on a bit excess weight around her waist. Oh-oh.
Japanese Culture@wkend
StandardMany 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.
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.
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