2024/03/02

My name is mizuki.

February is over and we are already into March.
It was December and I was so excited the other day, but now it's already March?!
I'm scared of how quickly time passes.

Around mid-February, the days continued to feel like summer, and I assumed that winter in Hong Kong was over, so I put away my fluffy clothes early and praised myself for it, but it seems my assumption was wrong, and the cold days are continuing again.

March is the season for cherry blossoms. I hear there are cherry blossoms in Hong Kong too, but I still miss the cherry blossom trees and cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Every year I want to go back home for the cherry blossom season, but I always miss the timing and can't go back. Come to think of it, I haven't seen the cherry blossoms in years.

Bright colors perfect for the New Year.

Well, the other day I had the opportunity to attend a New Year's concert by the Hong Kong Japanese Choir.

Living abroad, there aren't many opportunities to hear a choir in Japanese, so I've been looking forward to it for a long time.
I think watching and listening to singing and dancing live is an incredible luxury.

Of course, the choir members had wonderful voices, but what moved me most was how lively and happy they all were when singing, and it brought tears to my eyes. My daughter said, "Why are you crying when your child isn't even singing?!"
Daughter... it's pretty difficult for an adult to be this lively and sparkling! Children probably wouldn't understand that. I tried to take the upper hand in my mind.
Everyone was so energetic and shining, it made me want to do my best too! It was a wonderful concert perfect for the New Year.

People who work hard at something or do something they love can make people feel so positive.

We look forward to seeing all the choir members again next year.

I was completely recharged at the New Year's concert, and the following week I wore a kimono to another event.
There have been no major events in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been a while since the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, but when I think, "Ah, COVID is over," and realize that I can now enjoy my time freely without restrictions, my eyes once again begin to tear up.

I think one of the things we learned from the COVID-19 era was a renewed appreciation for the value of getting together with others, having fun, and sharing experiences.

A sake event hosted by JETRO. There was a photo booth and other things, so it was fun.

I call myself the "Hong Kong Kimono Ambassador"
I was so excited not to miss out on this sake event that I of course wore a kimono.
It's a great opportunity to wear a kimono.

Drinking alcohol while wearing a kimono is also delicious.
Just wearing a kimono doubles the fun.

I haven't really participated in any open events until now, but
I was able to spend a satisfying time and am glad I went.

When I try something new or do something I've never done before, it feels itchy and uncomfortable, but I feel like those are exactly the kind of times that are a sign that something is progressing inside me.

I hope that each and every small opportunity will lead to great connections and experiences, and I will continue to enjoy being a kimono ambassador on my own.

See you next month.

mizuki

He came to Hong Kong in 2011 on a working holiday visa.
Through her work, she became fascinated with the joy of kimonos, and now wears kimonos in her everyday life.
She gave birth to two children in Hong Kong.
In 2021, she founded M's select, a company that plans events and provides party decorations, together with a friend she met in Hong Kong.
In November 2022, he will obtain the Kimono Meister and Kimono dressing instructor qualifications.

Mizuki no kimono Instagram　@kimono_hongkong

M's select Instagram　@ms_select_hk