Meiji Tokyo Renka (明治東亰恋伽)

Meiji Tokyo Renka

E-Excuse me!

Where are we going?

Just be quiet and come with me.

You want to become a woman, right?

I-I do!

My hair is going to be a mess.

My hair is a mess.

A mess, a mess, my hair is a mess!

Geisha House

Okay, we're here.

I'm back. I will be in my room.

Sure. You have a guest?

Something like that.

Now, my room is up there. Go on ahead.

O-Okay. Pardon my intrusion.

Stop dawdling already, come on.

This is my room.

Welcome to the best geisha house in Kagurazaka.

Huh?

Geisha house?

Geisha House

What kind of house is that?

What? You've never heard of a geisha house?

No, I only recently came to this time period... I mean, to Tokyo.

I see. So that's why...

Why, what?

This is a boarding house for girls who have gathered from all over Japan to study

tea ceremonies, flower arranging, shamisen, taiko, singing, and dancing.

And you learned how to do those things as well?

That is correct.

So if I practice those things here too,

will I be able to become like a lady from a noble family?

Of course!

Because women and ghosts can turn into anything.

G-Ghosts?

As long as you have the determination,

even you can become the daughter of a noble family or the best geisha in Japan.

I could? You mean it?

Yes. How about it?

Would you like me to train you?

Yes! Please make me into a fully-fledged ideal Japanese woman!

This is going to be a long road...

The Long Road to Becoming a Fiancée

First of all, you have no sex appeal.

Yes, ma'am.

And your demeanor is unrefined.

Yes, ma'am.

You're not even wearing your kimono properly.

Yes, ma'am.

How you remove your shoes

and how you climb the stairs are unacceptable.

And you're utterly terrible at opening sliding doors.

I-I'm that bad?

A young lady from a noble family learns the art of serving tea and arranging flowers from a young age

and naturally acquires the knowledge of proper etiquette.

Trying to make you into a lady overnight is going to be a challenge.

Still, I want to become a more refined person, no matter what!

I want to be a beautiful and wonderful woman like you, Otoyakko-san.

You do know how to flatter me.

I certainly can't say no to that.

I, your mentor, will begin drumming what it means to be ladylike into you without delay.

Yes, ma'am!

Thank you for taking care of me.

Of course. Now then, take off your clothes.

Huh?

Don't just sit there looking dumb, take it off lickety-split!

Lickety-split?

Quickly, now!

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Don't take off that part!

Eh?

G-Goodness, forgive me.

I have a bad habit of scolding newcomers. It just slipped out.

A woman from Hakata shouldn't speak so rudely.

Now then, before you put on your kimono you need to sit here.

Let's start by focusing on your looks for a moment.

My looks?

Before practice or going out, a woman prepares herself

by sitting before a mirror, like this, looking at herself and chanting,

"Make me beautiful, make me beautiful," as if casting a spell.

Oh, that makes sense.

Make me beautiful, make me beautiful,

make me beautiful.

You're really putting your spirit into it.

May I ask the reason why you are so focused on all of this?

Of course.

There's someone who has been looking after me,

and I need to make myself beautiful for him.

He has been very kind to me,

and I don't want others to think it's strange if I'm by his side.

You're in love.

Eh?

Don't move, now.

Sorry...

Perfect.

I don't mind women like you.

But I don't know what I'm supposed to do...

Turn and look at me.

Ghosts transform with spiritual power, while women transform with make-up.

Hello?

This will be the real test.

Try putting this kimono on yourself.

Okay.

Let's see...

This cord ties here like this...

This is rather hopeless.

All done!

Zero points!

Wha?!

Pay attention.

First, your under collar is showing too much.

It's open too wide and needs to be more modest.

Under collar?

The area here where you collars overlap.

And don't pull your inner collar so tightly.

It's stylish to pull it back about the width of a fist.

This way you wear comfortably wear it open.

Inner collar?

"Inner" refers to the back collar area here.

You don't even know that?

You're right.

Your collar is open really wide, Otoyakko-san!

That's because I'm emphasizing my allure.

It's not wise for you to imitate me, since you're trying to become a lady.

You'll be seen as vulgar if you're not careful.

So that's what it would mean? This is so hard.

Gentlemen can tell a woman's upbringing from one look at how she wears her kimono,

so you must take care.

I will keep that in mind.

Now then, your hem.

You have it pulled up so high you look like a child.

Oh, okay. I thought I would trip if it was too long.

That's because you haven't learned how to move properly.

The hem needs to be just a bit longer than you think,

and having just the slightest hint of the ankles showing is best.

It seems like everything impresses you,

but why hasn't your sweetheart said anything about any of this?

Well, I get the sense that he's not really concerned about such things.

I would think if a man wanted his woman to be beautiful, he'd say a thing or two about it.

N-No, I'm not his woman or anything like that.

Nevermind that. Try walking around a bit.

Eh? Uh... huh? Walk around?

Like this?

Hey! Think about what you're doing!

Your kimono will come apart if you walk like that!

This will require slightly more drastic measures.

We're going to drill this relentlessly.

Yes, ma'am!

Straighten your neck and back!

Relax your shoulders a bit and draw them back slightly.

Too much!

Don't point your toes out.

Shorten your stride so you don't mess up your hem when you walk.

Don't walk like a baby chick, either!

When sitting, slide your hand under your knee so the hem folds neatly.

Try again!

Yes, ma'am!

What are you, a roly-poly toy?

When you go to reach for something, gently hold onto your sleeve.

Got it.

You shouldn't be able to see your arm!

Back!

Shoulders!

Hem!

Sleeve!

Neck!

Arms!

Voice!

Face!

Huh? Face?

In all things...

Do not hesitate! Do not be fazed! Be dignified! Graceful! And refined!

So strict!

We're not done!

I had no idea becoming a lady would be this hard.

Beauty isn't won in a day.

Otoyakko.

It is time for supper.

You should have something to eat before going to the dinner party.

Perfect timing, Mother.

Please give her one of the grilled fish from earlier.

Yes, of course.

You don't have to feed me dinner!

It's no trouble at all.

Besides, I'm not exactly treating you to dinner.

Huh?

Now, go on and eat.

Are you sure?

Thank you for the food!

You idiot!

Don't stab your chopsticks in so deep!

When children from good families eat,

only three-fifths of the chopstick tip will be sullied.

That's all?

That's all.

They also eat elegantly and beautifully without making a sound.

Now, please eat.

T-Thank you for the food.

It's delicious!