… on lunar calendar is today, called 重陽の節句. It is one of 五節句 including 七草, 桃, 端午, 七夕 and often represented by chrysanthemum flowers. With 京鹿子娘道成寺 symbolizing cherry blossom, it seems interesting to dance it in yukata full of autumnal patterns dyed on. Oh, crickets are singing under a bit cloudy half moon. Thanks to bring equanimity for Mei-Shun.
Japanese dance
Hi, Hanako
StandardShin and Mei-Shun met her at 鹿乃子 Japanese sweets shop in Ginza on weekend. It was so sunny and hot that they took there かき氷=shaved ice with syrup and みつ豆=algae jelly with sweet simmered peas after strolling from 維新號. Satisfied and cooled down, Shin went downstairs for payment followed by his wife who recognized something calling her from right side.
Dance, Hanako
StandardMei-Shun decided to instruct Professor M in all of her favorite scene of 京鹿子娘道成寺 where 白拍子花子, the leading role who is a dancer in entertainment business puts on a red kimono with 金烏帽子, a golden cap handed from visiting priests of the temple. Although Kikunoe Ryu test for 名取 removed a part Hanako expresses her emotion around the big bell, it seems indispensable for the story.
Wooden Stroll
StandardHere is Mei-Shun’s list of partners to dance with; Mr. Vanilla Arc to gallop, Ms. Battle Madoka to trot, Ms. Last One for both and Ms. Maria to walk with a bit of trot. The last snow-white lady looks happy to go to our newly-built field in the woods, where we can enjoy playing “Gymkhana” not by car but on horsey. Her petite body is suitable to make a narrow turn around natural trees.
Gecko Joins
StandardHello, darling, great to see you again. You visited Mei-Shun and her “student” who were dancing in yukata last Wednesday at a nearby community center, didn’t you? Well, we saw together 大暑=taisho, the 6th and last of summer 二十四節気 today. It normally represents earlier, yet bingo for current scorching weather — Tokyo recorded 40 degrees Celsius for the first time.
Joy of Kyoto: 2
StandardCicadas are singing lively, quite sooner to get up compared to Kanto area. Shin and Mei-Shun’s favorite itinerary includes walking around the commodious garden of 二条城 in the morning, yet they chose to take a bus to 四条大橋 this time. On the way to 八坂神社, the wife found a statue of 出雲阿国=izumo-no-okuni who started kabuki. Ah, 南座 is here protected by you, Master.
Subtle Irises
StandardThis is one of yukatas or summer kimonos Master Mei-Shu gave her tall student. When Mei-Shun bowed sitting on her legs for a lesson the other day, something popped between thighs. She immediately knew what happened. Since Master is thin and short, her yukata cannot endure bigger pressure. The strongest thread for futon mat is necessary to repair it.
Belated Contact
StandardKasen-san, daughter of Master Mei-Shu, emailed to Mei-Shun recently. According to it, her mother has stayed at a nursing home from last autumn. So it has finally come. Mei-Shun, the last 名取 of Kikunoe Ryu perhaps, started to instruct Professor M in 京鹿子娘道成寺 from the end of April. 花子, lead role of this tragedy, might work to make all ends meet.
Reason for Dance
Standardみほし会 headed by Master Bando performed yesterday at 浅草公会堂, Tokyo. Everyone made Mei-Shun happy for seeing him/her successful on the stage. And yes, she felt a little envy as well — she could have joined them if only her master was in good health. According to an omikuji lot she drew this morning, it is better not to stick to the past. Her mindset must be changed to turn sorrow to pleasure.
Farewell Maybe
StandardMaster Bando kindly gave Mei-Shun a phone call the other day. Asked how her master was, the latter replied that nothing had been informed. Their communication went blurred sometimes, might reflect minds of those involved in this matter. On the other hand, Professor M, the last student of Master Mei-Shu, requested Mei-Shun to instruct him in Kikunoe-Ryu dance.
meishunkikunoe 