Walking Through A Thousand Gates

In the memoirs of a geisha, little sayuri met a grown up man who gave her a handkerchief and an ice. She immediately captured by his charm. She then run to Fushimi Inari, where she pass through a thousand gate and make her wish to later become a geisha and to meet the man again. The thousand red gate is Fushimi Inari's own.

Recollecting Japan: Jidai Matsuri 2008

For the past 2 years, I have been trough many in Japan. Many festivals celebrated, great number of friends bonded, and lots of memories shared. Recollecting Japan is my simple attempt to relive the good memory of living life in Japan. Enjoy (｡◕‿‿◕｡★)

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According to uncle Wiki, Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) or Festival of the Ages is a traditional festival in Kyoto to celebrate the the rich history of the nations. Jidai Matsuri is one of three most celebrated festival in Kyoto, along side Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. Among the three, Jidai was the youngest to be held, although it dated back in 1895. It roots in the devastating situation when the Emperor Meiji left Kyoto to govern the nation from new capital, Tokyo in 1868. For centuries, Kyoto had been Japan's capital where Emperor resided. But, the post was suddenly vacant leaving Kyoto half of its soul. To remember the glory of the nations, Jidai Matsuri was held.

Jidai Matsuri is essentially a parade of costume of traditional Japanese Era. From the era of Kammu Emperor to Edo period. All are being presented in glory (You can see some of the picture in my photos collections). And it held annually on October 22 each year.

For a person who just set foot in Japan, I was extremely exited to see Jidai Matsuri. I was asking many friends to join me and whoala... there were 8 of us joining the parade. Hisashi, Gilly, Mas Meidi, Thyda, Keo, Irene, Kisi, and myself. We choose to go directly there around 12.30, being afraid of not getting a good spot to watch. The place to see, in front of Kyoto Shiyakuso. Good spot, recommended! but make sure to come a little bit earlier than 1.

We were so exited to see it, let alone after we knew that Miss Universe might join the parade. I still wonder to this day, though, how did we get that information. hahahaha... But, dream was not always to be satisfied. Rain welcomed us earlier than the parade! all wet! Thanks God, Hisashi finally bought big umbrella for us to stay safe under. So the parade proceeded and we all saw it. Under the rain ;p

One after another, we were presented by people wearing different costume from different age. Start from Kammu time, Kamakura, Heian, and Edo. It was exiting and entertaining to see the development of tradition and their court clothes over time. How the women transform from elegant long black hair in layers of clothes in Heian period to a simpler Kimono court we saw today. The transformation of man's clothes are pretty interesting too. From ballooning pants in Heian period to long loose man's kimono in sword in Samurai period. Not to mention their hairstyle too.

Still under the rain, I felt an upsurge of excitement in learning more about Japanese culture. So great this single country that it can preserve thousands of years culture and make a good recollection of memories of it. I wish I can see one day a parade in Indonesia that depicts the great culture of the country. In one single parade. For our children to learn the richness of Indonesian culture and for foreigner to see a complete picture of Indonesian rich costumes and culture.

Stars

For each shooting star I saw
I wished you are not my shooting star
Never be my shooting star
As shooting star is beautiful but fade fast

I want you to be my everlasting star
To shine through my whole life
To be with me coloring the sky
My partner for life