Japan Trip - April 1, 2012 - The Wedding Day

Japan Trip - April 1, 2012 - The Wedding Day

Part I – Getting Ready

On subway in morning

Vending machine stop

What a wonderful day! An early start was necessary to plan for the entire day ahead of us. We had to carry whatever we needed for the day with us. Our fearless leaders – Kana and James – seemed unscathed or bothered by anything. So calm and relaxed, they were. I took comfort knowing they were happy and calm. It all began, as almost all of our Osaka adventures do so far, in the subway. First we picked up breakfast and lunch at the station – yummy egg sandwiches, rice balls, sushi plates, and other treats were purchased. Then we loaded up and went on our way to the Hiraoka shrine, a Shinto shrine, where James and Kana would marry.  The group arrived at the shrine around 10am. Once we realized the enormity of the hill and steps we were about to climb it was suggested to stop at the vending machine for drinks before the ascent.

At entrance to shrine hall

Our room for the day

The shrine was tucked away in a grove of trees atop the hill behind a sacred gate/opening.  To the right was a row of small buildings, directly in front of us was the oratory, and behind that was the main hall – which is where the goshintai (god-body) resides. To the left was a walkway from the oratory to a building for general use, sort of like a church hall, with numerous rooms and a small kitchen. At the entrance to the church hall was a placard with the announcement of the day’s event: the Goto and McCoy wedding. We were escorted to the end of the hallway where we would occupy at least three of the rooms in preparation for the wedding event.

Me, mom, and James

We settled into our primary room, where we would have all of our stuff and be able to sit and eat and relax.  The next room over was the Kimono dressing and hair preparation room; and the final room was where James and Kana were getting ready.  Almost all women attending this event were wearing a kimono.  I think there were about eight people involved in getting us ready, not including the wedding coordinator Kana was working with.   

Mika (Kana's sister) and her kids Waka, Yuto, and Souta

All of these ladies were so wonderful and delightful to work with – even with a language barrier! They reminded me of the three fairies in the Sleeping Beauty story – Flora, Fauna and Merryweather because they used some wonderful magic to get us into the beautiful kimonos.

The boys

The girls

Hours later… we were ready for the 2pm wedding event!

 

Part II – the Wedding

James and Kana in traditional wedding kimonos

Lining up - it started to rain

We started across the front grounds of the oratory/shrine in a line – James’ family and friends behind him and Kana’s family and friends behind her, following the bride and groom. We walked past the front of the oratory, towards the church hall, onto the walkway, and followed it into the oratory. We followed two Shinto priests, and two miko (women shamans). At the end of our lines were a handful of musicians playing wind instruments I had never heard or seen before.  Because this shrine is open to the public there were quite a few observers who got an extra act during their visit – I wonder how often weddings take place here, and I wonder how often Americans dress in Kimonos to attend the wedding?

In the oratory for the ceremony

The ceremony was held in the oratory with James and Kana sitting in the middle, and attendees sitting on both sides of the room. The Shinto wedding ceremony is very old, and was fascinating to watch. They both wore traditional kimonos. They were purified, drank sake, read the words of commitment and at the end of the ceremony, symbolic offerings were given to the kami (god).

The married couple

After the ceremony we spent time taking lots of photos; hopefully we’ll see some pictures from the photographer soon. Everyone disrobed from the kimonos and prepared to depart for the reception.

James, Kana and me

Mom, James, Atsuko, and Toyoji

(Kana's parents)

The friends

Part III – the Reception

The appetizer - little squids!

Some of the guests

A reception dinner party was held at a restaurant a few train stations away from the shrine. There were about 25 people who attended both the ceremony and reception. We enjoyed great food, beer, and a fun muchi dessert for a wedding cake. Throughout the reception dinner, we were entertained with a slideshow of James and Kana from childhood until the present.  Several guests made a speech or offering to James and Kana including a poem read by mom, Kana’s uncle gave them a gift, and a friend, Seth, spoke kind words about both the groom and bride. Many, many thanks to Tak for his tireless translation between both languages.  Hopefully it all came across correct – I’m afraid to think of what influence the beer might have had on his rendition skills.

 

Kana painted the wooden figures, and the 'wedding cake' was a pile of Japanese muchi balls - yummy!

James and Kana visiting with guests

Kana and nephews refilling everyone's glass

Seth saying a few words

Part IV – after the Reception

The party must continue. Once we got back to the hotel, a group of folks from the wedding decided it was time for some karaoke!  One of Kana’s uncles is a very popular karaoke singer (country music), and some of Kana’s family members who participated could all sing really well, too – her aunt and other uncle, her mom, and her! I do have to say, however, that James’ friends could hang.  I was certainly impressed with Jessica’s cords, and Jeff must be a closet singer (or shower singer). Seth showed some promise, too. I didn’t have the guts to try it myself – but it sure looked fun. I figured that those who sang needed an audience, and that was my job. Unfortunately as the night moved on James’ voice went on vacation. He could barely talk, so that was his Get-Out-of-Jail free card for the night. Then there was Tak. The beer definitely had an effect on his singing skills. That was definitely a sight and sound I’m not sure I want to repeat anytime soon (but thanks for the entertainment, Tak!).