If I could be a character, I would choose Kaonashi. I like the animated fantasy movie “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. Kaonashi is one of the fictional characters in the movie. It is a spirit…cute, right?
Kaonashi ↓
Otherwise, I would pretend to be a Geisha anytime, just appearance (fashion).
Over 10 years ago, non-Japanese friends invited me to a Halloween party in America. I asked them, “What should I wear for a party?” Because Halloween is not a popular event in Japan. They said to me, “Geisha is good!” They watched the movie “Memoirs Of A Geisha”. The story is based on a book by an American writer, Arthur Golden. I watched the movie and also read the book in English.
A few days later, I went to Target and bought geisha costumes. I wore them and went to the party. I enjoyed it.
Next year, I started volunteering at the Japanese museum. I helped to promote events and festivals for the local community. In summer, I was asked to do a Japanese bon dance on the stage. So, I danced with other members on the stage during the summer festival between 2010-2012. To dance on the stage, I practiced for 3 months. I had to memorize 8-10 different dance choreography.
I invited my friends to the summer festival because they invited me to a Halloween party. On the summer festival day, I showed up wearing a Yukata (for Bon dance) in front of them. They were very surprised and said to me, “You look like a real geisha. You didn’t need to buy costumes for Halloween!”
The authentic Geisha is very different. They are performing artists. They make their faces white and wear expensive kimonos. They have training to do the traditional dances and singing to entertain guests.
For dancing, I wore a Yukata, which is a casual version of the kimono. The senior members did makeup on my face. I had a fun time and experience because I interacted with dance members and audiences. We talked and danced together.
I found some YouTube videos. Several people recorded videos on the festival day. Thank you for promoting the event.
I shared one of the videos below. I am somewhere in the video…where am I? It is a secret.
One year after the last festival I attended, I became a mom. So I haven’t danced on the stage. Instead of that, sometimes we visit the museum.
Video & Photos by Youtube, Pinterest & LILI
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