I was telling Mori-san (my Rotary host counselor) that I had seen Saotome Taichi’s Japanese dance performance and that I wished I could wear a pretty kimono too. XD
Mori-san said that his mom was a Japanese dance teacher and that she had a lot of kimonos at home. He got permission from his mom, so on Sunday, March 16th I visited his mom’s house! Mori-san’s mom was in a kimono. I was a bit confused about what to call her, and Mori-san said it would be good to call her “obaachan” (“Granny”). I also met with Mori-san’s sister and his nephew and niece!

After giving omiyage, etc. we sat around and talked and had tea and Takarazuka Hotel cakes. Mori-san’s relatives said that they were relieved that they didn’t have to talk to me in English at all. (^_^) They also said that I looked young, which was nice because recently my high school friend IM’d me and told me that I looked old in all my pictures. LOL. Everyone was just really nice and hospitable!

Mori-san’s sister and mom and I then went to the Japanese dance room. Mori-san’s mom took out a few kimonos and we picked among them. Mori’s mom helped me into the kimonos, which takes quite a long time compared to Western clothes. We then took many pictures in different locations in the house and with different members of the family. Everyone said I looked like a Japanese person and I was happy. :D I got to try on two different kimonos. Really grateful for that experience!!

I also looked through Obaachan’s Japanese dance photos and videos of her old performances. I really enjoyed that!

I also played a bit of Mozart on their piano. It was nice to play a little bit. I really miss piano since I haven’t gotten the chance to really practice in a many years.

After that, the whole family went out to have fugu! I was really excited since I’ve never had blowfish before!! Everything was really good and I took lots of pictures. I really enjoyed spending time with Mori-san and family! :D Thank you Mori-san!!