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!
Training is delicious!
Your training to become a lady has only just begun.
Come here again tomorrow, and I will train you intensely.
Thank you so much!
Oh, but in exchange,
do not tell anyone about me or about coming here.
Promise me.
Okay, I promise!
You have good taste, Mori-san.
I completely lost track of time.
I have returned...
Well, welcome back.
I apologize for being out so late.
Mei.
O-Ougai-san?
Looks like you had a rather enjoyable outing.
Where have you been off to?
Oh, to Otoya—
N-Nowhere in particular.
I just went for a walk and before I knew it I lost track of time.
Is that so?
It is dangerous to be out at night, so please try to be careful next time.
I will.
I-I'm going to go see if Fumi-san needs help.
That was too close.
I made that promise to Otoyakko-san.
Watch where you're—!
I-I'm so sorry, Syunso-san!
I wondered where you'd gotten off to.
Were you precociously sneaking a peek at the amusement quarters?
T-The amusement quarters?!
This is the first time you've worn rouge on your lips.
Shoot!
Why bother now?
D-Do you think Ougai-san noticed it too?
I don't know. Why don't you ask him?
He didn't say anything, though.
Then he probably didn't notice.
Please, don't say anything about this to Ougai-san.
Fine, if you insist.
Thank you so much.
But in return...
I want you to pose as a model for me.
Model?
If you're going to ask me to lie for you,
then I think you can at least give me a show of good faith in return.
B-But there's no way I could be a model.
I don't have a good figure, and I have some flab on my tummy that would be
pretty amazing if I took my clothes off, and not in a good way.
Huh?
Do you think I'm asking you to pose nude or something?
Aren't you?
I wouldn't mind if you did.
No, I couldn't do it.
How are you going to return this favor, then?
Tell me. Come on. Hurry up.
That's enough, Syunso.
I will not allow you to upset my Little Squirrel.
I wasn't upsetting her.
I was simply asking her to pose for me.
Oh?
Then let me give you a piece of advice.
You haven't briefly forgotten to be respectful of your painting's subject, have you?
If you're going to ask her to pose for you, you should be careful how you phrase it.
Fine.
Good grief.
He must be in a rebellious phase with that bad attitude.
I am sorry about that, Mei.
It's fine.
I better go help now.
Fumi-san!
Put all the crows in the world to death.
I wish to slumber late into the morning with my lord.
What is it?
Have you finished transferring the beans?
No, not yet... But, well, I was watching you in fascination.
My, what a tease you are.
I might have to make you my bride if you keep saying such cute things.
I might discover something new about myself.
Now what?
Somebody help me!
Oh, that's...
I thought that might be you, Kyoka-chan.
Don't call me Kyoka-chan!
You'd better hurry up now or you're going to get bit.
Can't you run any faster?
Stay away!
Kyoka-san, quickly, come in here!
Sorry, doggy, you can't come in.
Well, now look what you've done.
I-I'm sorry. Kyoka-san just seemed so miserable out there.
A little puppy like that isn't such a big deal.
Men are not allowed in a geisha house.
What? They aren't?
Men aren't allowed, my ass.
No comments from the peanut gallery.
Ow!
That really hurts, doesn't it?
I've lost track of how many times I've been hit with it.
Huh?
I have been learning proper etiquette here since yesterday.
I want to become a beautiful and elegant woman like Otoyakko-san!
Huh?
Well, that's the gist of it, so please don't bother us.
I will bring you some water for now.
Once you've finished it, you need to leave.
It's a good thing you didn't get bitten.
Shut up!
I wasn't running away from the dog,
I was just making up for my lack of exercise as of late.
Why are you looking at me like that?
S-Sorry.
For crying out loud! I've wound up stranded here thanks to your meddling.
What a disaster.
Don't make your stomach growl at me!
You're supposed to be learning about manners, you dolt!
I'm sorry!
Ugh... Here, eating an anpan might help.
You're giving it to me?
I'm not trying to thank you or anything, so don't get the wrong idea.
I wouldn't be able to stand it if you started drooling in front of me.
Thank you so much!
Time to eat...
Uh, what kind of ceremony is that?
It's not a ceremony. I'm just sterilizing the anpan.
I can't put anything in my mouth when I don't know who might've touched it.
If I grill it like this, it'll be clean and it won't upset my stomach.
Is this anpan really that dangerous?
I can never be sure, even if it comes from somewhere as famous as the Kimuraya.
These are famous?
Wait, you haven't heard of the Kimuraya?
I kinda have and kinda haven't.
Are you dumb or something?
What's with such a vague answer?
Are you dumb? Hey.
Are you dumb?
You called me dumb three times!
So good...
Don't just stuff it in your mouth. That's vulgar.
I don't get how Mori-san can be so interested in you.
T-That's true. Why would he be interested in someone like me?
W-What's with you all of the sudden?
Well, you are right, Kyoka-san.
I'm not very smart, nor particularly pretty.
And I'm constantly being taken care of by Ougai-san and I can't really do anything in return.
You should just do something about it, then.
That's why I'm studying etiquette like this, so that I might be able to be somewhat useful.
Hey! You'll get spit everywhere if you talk so loud.
I stood in line to buy these anpans...
All right now, there's no need for a girl learning manners to make such a ridiculous voice.
The cushion is on fire!
The fire is spreading!
Don't come this way!
What the hell were you two thinking?!
This place could've gone up in flames, you nincompoops!
M-My bad.
I'm sorry.
Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who was using the fire.
But I was the one who distracted you with such an odd conversation.
What? I wouldn't get distracted by someone like you!
So, anyway, were you burned?
Don't worry about me. What about you?
Is your hand okay?
Your kimono didn't catch fire or anything, did it?
No, I'm fine.
Well now, when did you two suddenly get so chummy?
I'm almost jealous.
Stay back. You'll get germs on me.
Germs...
Are you sure you want to speak to me like that?
Who will be the one compensating me for the burned tatami mats and seat cushions?
On that note, I have something to discuss with you.
There is a large banquet this evening, and we don't have enough geisha for it.
No way.
You're going to tell me to dress like a girl and go to the party.
Good guess. I'll be counting on you.
Don't be ridiculous!
Who the heck would imitate some third-rate—
I'll do it!
What?
Otoyakko-san has been taking such good care of me,
and I am also responsible for the fire earlier,
so please let me help somehow!
W-What nonsense are you talking now?
Do you have any idea what kind of party this is?
He's right. I can't have a naïve girl like you dealing with a bunch of drunken men.
But you deal with people like that at work every day, don't you, Otoyakko-san?
Well, it's not exactly every day...
I will do my very best to help you in any way I can!
Please let me do it!
You are such a good girl.
All right, then, since you insist with such determination,
I will gladly accept your help.
Now, I'm going to give you a cursory lesson on manners at a party before tonight,
so make sure to drum it into your head.
Yes, ma'am!
That goes for you too, Kyoka-chan.
No way!
Let's do our best, Kyoka-san.
Don't touch me!
Oh, I'm sorry.
Good grief. What a difficult man he is.
You summoned me, Ougai-san?
Yes. Do you know where Mei has gone?
No idea.
Perhaps you know what time she will be back?
I do not.
That presents quite a problem.
What is the matter?
I received a telegram a little while ago.
A popular party is suddenly being held this evening.
By "popular party," you mean that bothersome drinking party where the higher-ups
from the government and big shots from the industrial groups gather?
No need to be so harsh. It is a rather useful gathering for exchanging information.
And what does that have to do with her not being here?
I figured I would take this opportunity to introduce her as my fiancée to everyone there,
but if she's not here, I will just have to make do.
So it will just be you and I going tonight.
I'm going as well?
Naturally.
What occasion will we be drinking to this time?
Apparently Iwasaki Tosuke-kun seems to want to talk about electric generators.
Electric generators? So electricity, basically.
Well, he is the foremost expert in electricity.
I wonder if the age of electricity is truly upon us.
Isn't it fascinating?
I am truly curious to see how he will develop the conversation
in such a crowded room at a party.
Syunso.
What is it?
I have a feeling that something delightful will happen this evening.
You're doing it wrong again!
Come on now!
How many times do I have to tell you to prop the tip
of the bottle up with your left hand when pouring a drink?!
Sir, please have one!
No! Wrong!
Meiji Tokyo Renka
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Electricity of Dreams and Passion
Behold, you are truly a vision this evening.
This is me?
Ridiculous! I'm done!