Yukata is an indispensable item for Japanese dancers: practices are sometimes too hard to do in silk kimono. On the other hand, most people put it on as a fashionable summer clothes. It looks therefore a bit bizarre to see a yukata driver from this month. Mei-Shun has to bring it in furoshiki (=a square wrapping cloth), change clothes at Master Mei-Shu’s home.
Batty Returns
StandardAn expert visited us today, said “yes, bats are in”, taking a glance at the eaves. They are quite small, go easily through a narrow slit which works as an air vent. “This family consists of 30-50 members.” Okay. Our home has celebrated Halloween all through the year …
Oh My Girl …
StandardMikan-chan sometimes forgets her rest-room place. It’s not so often, but when Mei-Shun is too busy, she cannot help ignoring her daughter’s love call. Mikan-chan feels displeased, and … oh, stop it, darling.
Let’s get Ready
StandardToday is “Disaster Preparedness Day”. In 1923, a massive earthquake attacked Tokyo area, claiming lives of thousands. It is also 二百十日 (=210th date from the beginning of spring), which means that typhoon-vulnerable season has started. Any disaster could occur anytime. We must always be ready to save ourselves.
Choice of Music
StandardMei-Shun plays Prélude “La Goutte d’Eau”, Chopin on sunny days, while “Claire de Lune”, Debussy on rainy days. “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven has also been heard this week.
Hi, Friend
StandardA stray cat (maybe) girl, who looks like Tora-chan, came to our garden. Her 3-colored coat reminds Mei-Shun of ex-Viola, one of Tora-chan’s kittens. They greet rubbing their noses with each other. A lovely, heart-warming scene (^^),
Old New
StandardDo you know the word kawatare? It can be written like 彼は誰, meaning the time dark enough to wonder who is there in older Japanese. It first included both sunrise and sunset, yet soon the latter has been replaced with tasogare or 誰そ彼. Thanks a lot, kotobank.
No Welcome Back
StandardThe 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.
