Japanese hairstyle for women had 4 basic 髷 (mage=bundling); 兵庫(hyogo)髷, 島田(shimada)髷, 勝山(katsuyama)髷 and 笄(kogai)髷 in Edo Period. Suisen-Tanzen normally employs a 島田髷 wig, yet our ex-head Onoe Kikugoro VII uses a 兵庫髷 one. And that is why Master Mei-Shu chose the latter, looking very handsome with a gorgeous 打掛 (uchikake=long kimono). Mei-Shun would like to look like her on the stage soon, at least in style.
Kikunoe Ryu
Shocking, but …
StandardMaster Mei-Shu kindly showed her Suisen-Tanzen performance of 23 years ago, commemorating Kikunoe-Ryu foundation. It was just excellent. Actually too brilliant for Mei-Shun to do the same. She found that the spear in her left hand must have looked almost sleeping so far. Such item symbolizes what the role has in mind. From now, her challenge to wake it up starts. Thank you so much, Master.
Lesson Resumed
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun the first lesson after the latter left hospital. Three-month intermission does not seem too long to get their concentration back. Fine perspiration. We love Japanese dance, the best and admirable art.
Hello, Buds
StandardThis cymbidium is named “Yellow Card”, a gift from Kasumi Kikunoe, a “sister” student of Mei-Shun. Despite such dangerous name, it beautifully gleams in full bloom. Last summer, Mei-Shun took devoted care of it, which had got black at the end of leaves. It survived well, and greets her today with one, lovely cluster of buds.
Interview to Master: 10
StandardAnother director rushed to them, whispering to her colleague that she was Mei-Shu II, the youngest sister of late I. The told one flushed and murmured an apology. This happening made ties between Kikunoe directors stronger; Master Mei-Shu has succeeded her sister both in name and substance.
Interview to Master: 9
StandardIn preparation for 2004 Mei-Shu I commemoration stage, Mei-Shu II made a number of return trip to Tokushima. One day, a Kikunoe director, who did not recognize Mei-Shu II, asked her to play a supporting role. Surprised at her quick learning and fine performance, she told Master Mei-Shu that she danced very well.
Interview to Master: 8
StandardMei-Shu II is 11 years younger than her late sister, who gave her severe lessons from early days. Ka-Shu at that time felt tired of it, fled alone to Tokyo. After marriage, she was only involved in housekeeping and rearing her three children. Many Kikunoe directors in Tokushima did not know their president had a sister good at dancing.
Interview to Master: 7
Standard20 years ago, Mei-Shu II used to come home in Tsuchiura around 20:00, departing Machida before 17:00. That is why she always closed lessons with “good night” greetings to her students. Young power allowed her to endure such a hard task, she says with a smile.
Interview to Master: 6
StandardMei-Shu II lived in Tokyo when Kikunoe-Ryu was established by her eldest sister. After moving to Tsuchiura, she continued giving lessons at a community center nearby her ex-home for 7 years. Taking 6:00 bus to the nearest train station, changing trains twice, she reached Machida, Tokyo around 10:00.
Interview to Master: 5
StandardMei-Shu II gives lessons at her home in Tsuchiura, while visiting Tokushima once a month to instruct Kikunoe masters. Our current head Sen-Sha, a popular kabuki actor Onoe Kikunosuke V, took office in 2012. This spring, we held a long-expected stage in Tokushima honoring late Mei-Shu I.
