I teach an Adult English Language Class every other Monday night in Kudamatsu, a city neighboring Hikari. It’s usually the same 4 people – all over the age of 50. They teach me more than I teach them – of this I am positive. They are magical – each of them. One of them makes homemade bags… I’m at a loss for language right now to describe them, but her work is beautiful. She is also versed in kimono-wear, correctly putting kimonos on people (it’s so intense and time-consuming it’s an artform nowadays!). Another does calligraphy and has taken up jogging. Yet another is a tennis fanatic and is involved with tennis clubs all over the country. The last one is the leader of the class. His English is superb, and he is very proud of traditional Japanese customs and festivals. Through his sheer excitement and joy for them, he keeps them alive. Which brings me to the crux of this story.
Toshihiro-san, the leader of my Adult class, invited me to the Fox Wedding Festival. It’s held every year in Kudamatsu, and he has always invites ALTs and other foreigners to come experience it. The Fox Wedding is a parade in format, and it brings in good luck for a plentiful rice season. There is a Fox Bride and a Fox Groom, and it’s strictly forbidden for anyone to know who they are. They wear masks and a traditional outfits. Toshihiro-san guesses that the festival committee chooses two high school students, to further enhance their anonymity. The “couple” doesn’t actually get married – although I read somewhere that it has been done with a real couple before – but they signifty a marriage and symbolize good fortune in Kudamatsu. After the parade there is the equivalent of a “reception” – where all the attendees celebrate the rice season… (or… something?).