We feel a bit hot in daytime while cold at night these days. Mei-Shun was looking for her kappogi, an apron with sleeves. It is stored in our closet under futon, blankets and silk kimonos during summer. Laying one on another is not a suitable way to keep kimonos clean; humidity could hurt them seriously. Drawings made of paulownia wood is the best, yet we cannot afford any further space.
kimono
Tsubo-Awase
StandardMeaning a preparation for a stage, it is also called katsura (=wig) awase (=fitting). Contracted staffs start arranging items for respective dancers. Those who are in charge of wigs take the longest time to make metal bases from scratch. Kimono fitters are in close contact with small properties shops, so Mei-Shun asked them to lend her the spear two weeks before performance.
Necessary Costume
Standard… for horseback riding includes a helmet, a vest, slim pants called culottes, boots and gloves. Mei-Shun ordered all (thanks a million, Shin), has not yet received any except for a pair of culottes. She is so much looking forward to seeing them soon. On the other hand, Japanese dance requires at least one cotton yukata, made with a texture on which a pattern of school where a dancer belongs to is dyed. Kikunoe Ryu has chosen this one, a pair of chrysanthemum profiles bound in calyx.
Daki-hiraki-kiku
Cooler August
StandardIn order to perform feminine* Suisen-Tanzen, we put on a long-hemmed kimono, which requires a technique to deal with. Many Japanese dancers therefore have this tool to wrap up the lower half of the body. However, it is too hard to use it in summer — we perspire much in legs even not in exercise. Well, does Mei-Shun have to say thanks to Typhoon Goni?
*Suisen-Tanzen has a masculine version as well.
Lesson in Yukata
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun a yukata. It is so happy to receive items used by revered persons. From the beginning of summer, we are allowed to replace normal kimono with yukata. It is made of cotton, to put on after taking bath in ancient times. No kimono underwear is necessary. Obi would be easy han-haba (=half-width) ones.
Shall you dance?
StandardTwo months have passed since Mei-Shun had the operation. It looks easy to live a normal life at home, yet only for you in normal health. For an ex-patient, it is quite difficult to do similar to yesterday. However, she could not but going forward little by little, as much as possible. Let’s resume practice. Why don’t you put on kimono?
Cleaning Season
StandardNew Year is coming soon. Let’s clean up your room to let your mind feel refreshed. Mei-Shun put her kimonos into winter order; yukatas must take upper position. Hello again, Ms. Biscuit. You would be put on for her first lesson.
Another Kimono
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun a kimono again. The latter feels so happy, yet aren’t you too generous, Master? When asked so, she smiled and said that the one was too long for her. Dark blue, doubled with dark red inside. How cool it is! Thank you very much.
Kimono Reminds…
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun a kimono, beautifully purple-colored. It is just in size of the latter, looks a bit too long for you, Master … it might be the one her eldest sister, Mei-Shu I, wore in her days.
Lonely Piano
StandardAs performance date approaches, Ms. Piano tends to be left alone. She is sometimes forced to be a kimono holder after Mei-Shun comes back from lessons. No, she would like to sing, rather than being treated like a piece of furniture. Just 5 minutes must not be spared for her.
meishunkikunoe 