Respect-for-the-Aged Day

Last month we celebrated Respect-for-the-Aged Day in Nagashima and Curtis and I made sure to get in on all of the festivities. Wikipedia explains:

"Respect-for-the-Aged Day (敬老の日 Keirō no hi) is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens. A national holiday since 1966, this used to be held on September 15. Beginning in 2003, Respect for the Aged Day is held on the third Monday of September.

This national holiday traces its origins to 1947, when Nomatanimura (now Yachiyocho), Hyōgo Prefecture proclaimed September 15 Old Folks' Day (Toshiyori no Hi). Its popularity spread nationwide, and in 1966 it took its present name and status. Annually, Japanese media take the opportunity to feature the elderly, reporting on the population and highlighting the oldest people in the country."

Curtis and I were asked if we would help entertain our elderly friends while they enjoyed a leisurely bento lunch on the afternoon of their special day. The catch was that we had to wear a mask and dress up in costume, including one in which they wanted us to dress up like women.

Because Curtis and I are not the shy type we accepted the challenge and we learned the three dances which we would be preforming for our old friends. With high spirits we reminded ourselves that Japanese culture is not wrong or strange, it is simply a little different sometimes than what we are familiar with. Securing this mindset allowed us to apply sock breasts and wear both a dress and wig without any real complications.

Truth be told we had a good time and the it's always nice to be able to participate in the community and give back when we can. After we were finished dancing we were asked to wait around as the mayor would soon be arriving and they wanted us to dance yet again so that he could check out our moves. Speaking of dance moves, I had a hard time memorizing the dance steps while Curtis on the other hand was as graceful as a little ballerina! So with a little teamwork we worked everything out and a good laugh in the process. for those of you who weren't able to experience our live performance take a look at this video I put together. I apologize if the video is a little choppy in places. I'm still trying to work that out ~ Enjoy!