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Summer time to dry insects passes peacefully

和やかに過ぎてゆく、夏の虫干し時間

A cypress stage for Kyogen artists living in the 21st century
Vol.9 Summer insect drying
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

Summer vacation Swimming in the river Playing in the river Fireworks Bon dance Insect drying
Both are summer traditions.
Some people may not understand the term ``mushiboshi,'' but for us, drying bugs in costumes is an annual summer event. By taking out the costumes that are usually stored in the costume storage and letting them dry in the wind, insects will not come to them in the winter, and in other words, they will not be eaten by insects.

I don't know how many costumes our family owns, but it would be difficult to dry them all in one season. Narrow down the items that need maintenance and concentrate on them over 3 to 4 days.

In addition to ``Kimono,'' worn under outer clothing such as large stripes, the costumes used as ``Uwagi'' such as Haku, Atsuta, and Karaori are made of pure silk. Hang it on a hanger to dry in a well-ventilated place. It is also important to check the condition while drying and make repairs as necessary. If it's only a light fray, we can patch it up ourselves, but if it's really bad, we may take it to a costume shop to have it repaired.

The costumes such as Kyogen hakama, Nagakamishimo, and Suou are made of linen, so they are maintained using traditional methods. First, use a brush to carefully apply laundry starch diluted with water. It is folded neatly on top of a log, then another roll is pulled on top of it, and four or five adults sit on it and step on it with their feet. By doing this, the hakama will be pressed neatly and any dirt or dust that may have stuck to the hakama will be removed. Once it dries, not only will it return to a crisp hakama, but the coating effect of the glue will also make it less likely to get dirty.

Costumes and props are tools of our trade, and we were taught strictly how to handle them from an early age. It is out of the question to step directly on it or straddle it. Even the method of folding is checked to see if the creases are folded correctly.

The performers themselves are basically responsible for managing these costumes, but if there is a shortage of manpower, disciples from within the company may be asked to take part.

The cheers of children playing in the water The sound of wind chimes The blinds swaying in the wind Presenting watermelon and ice cream

The peaceful time spent chatting and laughing with everyone is reminiscent of the original Japanese scenery, which gives me a nostalgic feeling, and is one of my favorite summer traditions.

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