Samurai Journey: Culture Basics - The Kimono

After arriving at the Japanese Culture Center (where the bulk of our activities took place), our friend Julietta Alvarez (one of the coordinators for the Center) introduced us to a delightful woman named Mieko Fujii (or "Fujii Sensei", as we called her for the day). Fujii Sensei has lived in the US for about 15 years, if i recall correctly, and was fantastic with Peri as her tasks were to outline the basics of Japanese Feudal Culture, as well as Language and Writing.

For starters, Fujii Sensei helped Peri put on the kimono we purchased for her, and as the Obi (i.e. belt) wrapping process is a little tricky, we were very thankful for her help so that we could see how it was done. The end result was that Peri looked very much the young Bushi woman, we thought, and her smile here in the picture is indicative of her general feelings throughout the day. Also included here is a brief video of Fujii Sensei helping to wrap Peri up, and the really cool things was that she brought her own formal kimono as well to show Peri how it looks when worn with all the traditional accompanying layers, cords, belts and wraps. She was such a fun lady, and Peri enjoyed her immensely. More on their time together in posts that will follow.