Well, the kimono contest was yesterday!
I got 2nd place in the foreigner division! I was so surprised, but so excited! I really didn't think I was going to win a prize! Dave got 3rd place! Go, Mie ALTs!!
I'll post more pictures after I get back from Kyoto!

Back in September, Stan and I went to a reenactment of a traditional Tsukimi (Moon viewing) ceremony at Saiku/Itsukinomiya in Meiwa. Thanks to Dave for getting us tickets!
Saiku was the home of the Saio, a high priestess who worshipped the Sun Goddess on behlf of the emperor, from the 7th century through the 14th century. The Saio wore beautiful 12-layer kimonos, which were modeled by the women in this ceremony.
In addition to seeing the Saio and her court make autumn offerings to Shinto gods, we also saw dancing and music from the Heian period. The Tsukimi ceremony was amazing- one of the most beautiful things I've been able to see in Japan!





The two pictures above are of the woman who was playing Saio.



The two pictures above are the women who played Saio's attendants.

Well, I've continued studying kitsuke (kimono dressing), and I've gotten better!
This picture was taken Saturday. I put on my kimono and tied my obi in about 7 minutes and 30 seconds that day. The contest is this week, so I am relieved that I am able to put it on so fast and have it look so nice. Both the sensei were very happy with the way it looked!

This is Nate, Tom, me, Tsuji sensei, and Aya sensei. Tsuji sensei and Aya sensei are awesome! They take time out of their busy schedules to meet with us every week and teach us how to wear kimono. Tsuji sensei will also be in the contest this week. Gambatte kudasai!

Below are some pictures of me when I was first learning to tie the obi.