A weekend with the Koyanagi- san Family

I first met Kayoko at a special lunch buffet planned for teacher and host family introductions. Kayoko greeted me with a smile and a shy handshake. Through her limited English and persistent gestures she was able to ask me what I would like to do while staying with her family. With my handful of Japanese words and phrases, I was able to communicate to Kayoko that I bought a Kimono, and I would like to learn how to put it on. Kayoko laughed and said she would have to get her mother to show me! I also mentioned nature, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and Japanese food.
The luncheon took place on Tuesday and I was schedule to meet Kayoko and her family on Sat. morning for a weekend visit.
Yoshinori, Kayoko’s husband works at a law firm. Kanae, their daughter, age 20, works at a cake shop and attends Ogi University part time. Ryosuke, their son, age 17, attends the Ogi University full time.
While in Tokyo a few newfound teacher friends and I hopped on a local subway for six stops and then venture off walking to find the famous “Chicago” used Kimono store.
We lost our way a few time trying to interpret the map and Japanese signs! Eventually, after it started pouring rain, we stumbled upon the infamous store. Way in the back was a rack of silk Kimonos and a large shelf filled with Obi’s. I was lucky to find a sage green kimono with cherry blossoms and a mauve pink obi with shinny sequence. I modeled it for my friends with the help of young Japanese women who knew a few things about kimono dressing.
Grandmother arrived at the home of the Koyanagi Family around 4pm Saturday afternoon. For the first hour I present the family with Montana gifts and showed them picture of my family, friend, school, students, and of course beautiful Montana. They were gracious and pleased with their individual gifts.
Before dinner Grandmother lead me into the tatami room for a traditional dressing. Grandmother was insightful enough to know that I would not have all the inner pieces that are needed to dress successfully. In her bag she had the clips, ties, and wooden sandals I would need. The most difficult part of the dressing is the obi bow tied in the back.
After about an hour I was “photo shoot” ready!