“Hatsumoude”, the first visit of the year to the Katori Jingu shrine. Kimono shows uncanny power.
Many people come for hatsumoude, or moude, to this shrine, and so 50 or more people become a group when receiving “oharai”, a Shinto ceremony for exorcism. As we walk into the shrine by following our group of people, I see an open space at the “aka mousen” red carpet area, so I proceeded gracefully toward that space. Then suddenly people make room for me to walk through. The movement of the people making room is very natural. Sachiko-san followed behind saying,
“The power of a kimono is uncanny.”
And she sits shrewdly in the front row.
And when taking my “zouri” sandals,
“It is in the second shelf from the bottom.”
By saying so, again the crowd moves over and my sandals are arranged.
Thanks to kimono.
Oyasama of Konohana no Sakuyahime, Hanazono-jinja, and Suwa Taisha also comes, and so I feel somewhat relieved by visiting Katori-sama.
The buckwheat noodles "soba" of the noodle shop "Eikian" located at the front gate of the shrine are better than anything. Since my body got cold this time, I ordered “kamonan soba”-- a warm soba with duckmeat. It is very nicer than the last time.
"Water became better."
Says the pretty waka okami-san who works briskly.
I think thoroughly that water is life.
Well, arrangements with Sachiko Kawabe since I am planning to publish a book about “Feng shui makeup” this year.
"Let`s do arrangements of work pleasantly.”
And we decided to visit Disneyland on our way back. Funny thing is, we became cheerful just as we decided.
We got a table at an Italian restaurant at the Hotel Mira Costa, here we have a whole view of Tokyo Disney Sea.
The moment I took my glass filled with wine and said,
"First, let`s have New Year wine."
“Oops”
I spilt it.
I went to the restroom immediately to beat out the wine on the kimono with water. And when I returned to the seat, the garcon of the store said,
"A stain will disappear by using carbonated water"
And he carefully took the stain off by careful strikes. Luckily the kimono was black material, and the spot was not conspicuous, but the spot of the wine adhering to the white obi was able to be taken off perfectly.
“Thank you very much for all your help.”
I bowed to everybody. Carbonated water does have great power.
Sachiko-san who knows much about clothes,
"Carbonated water is effective for silk dresses and blouse, but I was worried about kimono because the material is dense. But I`m so relieved.”
Seemingly it is common sense in the world of haute couture clothes.
And truly the reception and follow of Disney employees to a guest is perfect.
The gas lamps are lighted outside, and raindrops on the water surface unawares. It seemed like doing our arrangements in a foriegn cafe.
In various meanings, this was a Day of the Kimono.
