Daily report 9 / 15 January 2011

For the first time no rehearsal today. I went to Meiji Jingu and visited the shrine and the museum with beautiful kimonos of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. In the Oriental Bazaar I finally found an imitation Samurai sword for my son Jesse. He asked me many times to bring him a Japanese sword. I saw many beautiful swords, but very expensive and too sharp for him to buy.

In the evening Mihoko organized a very nice dinner to enjoy Sukiyaki. Mihoko, Fumio, Michiko, Yosida, Masashi and Tomoyo, a friend of Mihoko, where all there. They showed me two different ways of preparing Sukiyaki: Edo style and Kyoto style. I liked both! We had a very nice and cheerful evening together. I know for sure I will miss these people very much when I am home again.

I almost forget to write I bought a secondhand kimono. Brown color with little white spots. I can wear it as a short jacket. Very happy with nice souvenir....