A day has passed. Then a second day.

My gratitude still overflows.

On February 26th, the "Hanhaba Obi Charm Fashion Show" at Kanzaki Ryokuchi Park's Taibaku Plum Blossom Festival.

Thanks to everyone, the curtain closed on a great success.

I wear kimono daily and always tie a hanhaba obi.

It's practical, it allows the wearer's individuality to shine regardless of age, and it's easy.

I always believed that if I could spread the word about these merits, more people would surely wear kimono easily.

Timing is a funny thing.

It coincided with discussions about realizing the commercialization of the "Kojima Obi".

Could we hold a show that would showcase the merits of the hanhaba obi, and at the same time, unveil the "Kojima Obi" as one of its variations?

I was truly anxious, wondering if we could really complete everything, starting with the composition, in just over two months.

But thankfully, I had trustworthy friends.

My true blessing was having them by my side.

I wanted a lively and brilliant stage with everyone in kimono, after all.

We needed people.

Aya-san and Eri-chan diligently gathered kimono-loving members.
A show needs music.

Fumi-chan prepared the perfect background music, exactly as I envisioned.
On the runway, the models would pass close to the audience.

Our makeup artist, Dan-chan, showed off her professional skills.

Students from various kimono dressing classes also readily agreed to participate in the show and diligently practiced for it.

Especially Rika-san, who performed with her mother and daughter; she put in three times the effort, practicing for herself and her daughters.

"Make it a show where both the audience and performers enjoy themselves."

By entrusting everything to my friends, I was able to concentrate on the composition based on this concept.

The day before, I felt a joy that was almost certainty.

Tomorrow, the entire venue will be filled with applause and smiles.

And so it was.
Especially the "Koi Dance" in the finale, the performers truly enjoyed dancing it.

Under Aya-san's strict yet kind dance instruction, everyone secretly practiced in between their busy schedules to prepare for the day.

Along with the satisfaction of a successful show, a sense of loneliness welled up.

I was told this is "a feeling only those who've worked hard can experience." I somewhat understand.

To everyone who shared this time and these feelings with me, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

Thanks to all of you, I believe the "charm of the hanhaba obi" I wanted to convey was fully received.

With endless gratitude... thank you.