A Few Good Dreams Revisited: Kansai Part II

Naoe could barely contain her excitement as they returned to the hotel with less than three hours before the maiko’s ceremony began.

“What do we wear to something like this?” Hazuki asked.

“I assume something nice?” Naoe replied as she looked at her wardrobe.

A feeling grew in her chest, and she had an idea she did not expect.

“Hazuki?” she asked.

“Yes, darling?” he replied as he untucked his shirt.

“Would you want to wear a kimono with me?” Naoe asked as she turned to him.

“I’d… I want to wear traditional clothes with you.”

Hazuki smiled. He hadn’t worn a kimono of any sort, or even a yukata, for a very long time. It felt like a part of his identity that was lost along with his family name. Still, in that moment, the idea excited him.

“I’d love to,” he replied.

Back down the stairs they went, and soon, they were directed to a few non-touristy shops nearby that sold and rented kimonos. Naoe found herself enjoying the idea of returning to a familiar outfit, but she appreciated that it would be different from the pink kimono she had worn for centuries. Standing before a mirror in a deep blue and green awase robe adorned with scenes of nature, Naoe felt at home. For the very briefest of moments, she missed that pink fabric. Still, she wanted something new and different.

Hazuki cleared his throat behind her, and she turned to see a vision she’d never expected. Hazuki was there in a greyish blue and deep blue men’s kimono that paired nicely with hers. His kimono pouch was made of the same fabric as her robe. He held a new cane made of smooth, lacquered wood. His hair was tied in a well-placed knot with a wooden hairpin holding it in place. Naoe let out a squeak then laughed to herself in shock.

“Good? Or bad?” he asked.

“Good. Very good,” was all she could reply.

“Your vial accents your robe nicely,” he grinned as he pointed to her propagation companion with his new cane.

“It does. Nature theme!” Naoe grinned as she gave a slight spin.

The teahouse was not far from where they had met the maiko. The couple arrived promptly, dressed in their newly purchased garb. The two of them were escorted into the ceremony room, where a handful of other guests were already sitting on the tatami floor. All were quiet with anticipation. Introductory food and drink were provided. Minutes later, the fusuma door slid open, and with dainty steps, she entered the room. Musicians began to play. She danced with fans in hands. Every movement was steady and calculated, with her robes flowing across the floor with soft whisps as the audience took in every angle and detail of her wardrobe.

Next, she served them all matcha and sweets. Naoe could not help herself and let out a sigh of delight as she sipped the fresh matcha. The maiko smiled and almost broke character as the other audience members laughed in appreciation. Naoe blushed and whispered an apology, to which an older woman beside her thanked her for voicing what everyone was feeling.

Board games were played as a group, with the maiko orchestrating the crowd with ease. Laughs and cheers rose with each round, as she gracefully drifted among the different parties to make conversation.

Lastly, she sat before them for question-and-answer time. Questions were asked about her training, her life in the okiya, her childhood in Tottori, her makeup routine, and more. It came time for Hazuki and Naoe to ask their question. To their surprise, the maiko broke character very subtly and winked at them. No one else noticed but the two of them. Hazuki nudged Naoe, letting her know it was her question to ask. She sat with her thoughts for only a slight moment, then spoke.

“The world has changed so much. Even in Japan, even in a place like Kyoto, things are modern. You chose a profession rooted in the past. Do you ever fear that one day, the world will leave maiko behind? That there won’t be anyone else interested in keeping those old tradtions?” she asked.

Several audience members nodded in approval of the question. The maiko thought of her response.

“I think we cannot stop change. Everything is impermanent. No matter how we cling to the old world, the new world will always be born. At best, we can try to blend the two, like we do here in Japan. At the least, all we can do is hold on to the things we feel are most dear and hope that they are not lost in that change,” replied the maiko, to which everyone clapped.

The ceremony ended and the audience was allowed to take photos with the maiko. She held out her hand, beckoning Naoe and Hazuki over for a photo.

“Wonderful question,” she whispered to Naoe.

“I’m something of an expert on the world leaving one behind,” smiled Naoe.

“Well, you’re here now. And I enjoyed meeting the two of you,” replied the maiko.

With that, their night was over.

Moonlight shone down on them as they walked back to their hotel. Naoe’s arm linked under Hazuki’s as his cane tapped along the stones beneath their feet.

“This has been lovely. Thank you,” said Naoe.

“It has. You looked incredible tonight,” said Hazuki, who had noticed several times through the night that Naoe had not been focusing on her scars anymore.

It was a lovely night in Kansai. The next morning, they were both too exhausted to exert themselves. Thus, they found themselves joining the tourists on a red double-decker bus, taking a full-day tour of shrines and temples. Gardens, sacred sites, bells, incense, purification stands, talismans, and more greeted them at every hour. Matcha and ice cream were consumed. Dinner at a curry shop allowed Naoe to experience curry for the first time.

The next day, their energy was better, so they took a boating excursion along the Hozugawa River before seeing an evening kabuki play at the enormous theater that stood at the edge of the city's main street. Time moved slowly in those days, which they both cherished with gratitude. After nearly a week, February was almost there, and it was time for them to leave. Luggage was packed, and they boarded a bullet train to set out for the last region on their journey: Kanto.

Tokyo awaited them.