Mei-Shu I passed away for cancer in 2003. Her sudden leave caused a lot of trouble, including “robbery” of Kikunoe Ryu. Finally, the youngest sister Ka-Shu took after the name of Mei-Shu and the chairmanship of the board of directors.
Japanese dance
Photo of Echigo-Shishi
StandardSo they’ve come to Mei-Shun. Chon-mage (=samurai) hair style does not seem as unbearable as she has imagined before. However, she still prefers this image with red-hot head. Basic facial color is all white for women dancers. No brown, no black is added even for the role of middle-aged guy.
Image of Yourself
StandardMei-Shun received a DVD of her latest stage. She hesitated to see her own image last year, yet all different today – immediately open the package and sit down in front of the display. Maybe the spirit of shishi helped her for further practice and training. She found out much to be improved in her techniques. Thanks, darling.
Interview to Master: 2
StandardIn her hometown Tokushima, Mei-Shu I has founded Kikunoe Ryu. This name took kiku (=chrysanthemum flower) from late Master Kikuzo, while noe (=above) from the heading family O-noes. Mei-Shu I rejected to head Kikunoe; she knew how hard it was to keep a school of Japanese dance. Instead, she assumed the office of the chairwoman of the board of directors.
Interview to Master: 1
StandardKikunoe Ryu has been established by Mei-Shu I in 1992. She belonged to Otowa Ryu in Osaka for a long time. After her Master Kikuzo had passed away, kabuki actor Onoe Baiko VII advised her to become the leader of a new party of Japanese dance.
Thankfulness!
StandardMei-Shun finished so-so stage. Thank you so much, Master Mei-Shu. Thanks a million, Shin. Please take her gratefulness, dearest friends.
This is it.
StandardThe last lesson before the stage was given to Mei-Shun, with a little corrections and a sign of “Okay, go ahead and enjoy” from Master Mei-Shu. Rehearsal will be held on Saturday followed by Sunday’s performance.
A Sigh of Relief
StandardMei-Shun consulted Master Mei-Shu for the knee ache. As a result, the part to put both knees on the ground has been removed — it is also hard for dance experts. Who would like bruises caused by unnatural poses?
Difficult = Damaging?
StandardMei-Shun has a slight pain in her right knee. While doing lighter exercise yesterday, she found out several poses in Echigo-Shishi which might cause the ache. For example, it is quite difficult for her to put both knees on the ground at once. Trying to force herself to make it, she might use a wrong, unnecessary muscle power.
Happy Monday
StandardSome of our public holidays have been set on Mondays since Heisei era started. Health and Sports Day is one of them, making this weekend a three consecutive holidays. However, Mei-Shun feels a bit uncomfortable in her right knee — caused by the dance rally? She decided to take a rest today, might embody the idea of today.
meishunkikunoe 