A Cinderella Story

This is another Thanh-Being-Jammy story. I received an invite to the traditional Adults Day in January, which is a huge event for all teenagers turning twenty because twenty marks the transition into adulthood. Yes, I know I am already twenty but my ward office, for a reason unknown, must have got the information wrong, though this is very unlike Japanese bureaucracy. I replied saying I'll go even though I had no idea what it entails.

Well, it entails being decked out in your best kimono, having hair and makeup done by professionals and getting taxied to the grand hall for a traditional ceremony and receiving a present from the ward. Now, I dont even have a kimono, let alone a best kimono, and do you know how much one of those cost? 25-grand plus to buy, and "only" a thousand pounds to rent. One thousand pounds sterling, my dear. I was trying to explain to a Japanese girl that a thousand pounds is a little excessive, and she looked all incredulous and said 'but you only turn twenty once!' Being an impoverished pauper that I am, I couldnt well justify spending a grand on a kimono, especially one that I wouldnt even get to keep.

George and I spent over a week putting out feelers and asking for favours, hoping someone would just lend me one, preferably for free. Lady Luck was looking over me because I just happened to mention to the right person who had the right contacts that I was in desperate need of getting a kimono for this event. She made me an appointment to see a kimono teacher who has an extensive collection of kimonos, so George and I headed to her school to see her. Over four hours later, after some tea and biscuits and trying on different kimonos and obis, we settled on a dusty pink and green kimono, she made me an appointment at the hairdressers and makeup artist, and I dont have to pay the grand for it all.

George and I were speechless. Im just too lucky for words.