Yasuyo's Wedding Walk
...written on 11.22.03, @ 11:43 a.m.
Sat November 21, 2003
My friend Yasuyo called me up one morning to invite me to her "wedding walk". She and Asao were getting married in Gifu City on the afternoon of Sunday October 23rd. Before that ceremony however, there was a traditional custom that I've been told is particular to the Ogaki/Gifu area, but I'm not sure it is. If you know of this happening in other areas of Japan, please let me know.
I went to Yasuyo's house with my friend Kaori and her two boys. We took our position at 8:00 am in front of Yasuyo's driveway. At 8:30, Yasuyo was supposed to come out in full kimono regalia and march together with her husband and her mother in view of a line of neighbors and friends stretched up and down the street.
Here's the left side
Here's the right side
Before Yasuyo came out, her sisters and friends were busy passing out large bags of treats to the masses. Popcorn, candy, sweetbreads, cookies, etc. were stuffed in plastic bags and given to all those waiting. A quick inventory of the bag and my expert knowledge of convenience store food, put the bag's retail worth at over US$10.
At 8:30 a.m. sharp, Yasuyo, about 5 shuffling steps behind her man and in front of her mom, came out of the house and made her way down the driveway and up the street.
A special taxi was waiting for them.
It had a fliptop roof to allow room for Yasuyo's hairpins . . .
and a towel she could grip to keep her from crushing her obi (decorative belt)
A few minutes later, the happy couple sped off to Gifu to get married and then were off to Hawaii for their honeymoon (The girl in the background is clutching two goodie bags).
Japanese weddings are lavish affairs and often require the bride to change outfits at least three times. It is now a fashion and has been for many years, to have a Japanese ceremony and a Western style ceremony with a native English speaking priest. Many foreign men make a good deal of money performing these ceremonies in English. Guests do not bring presents, but rather special money envelopes designed for weddings that contain at least US$300. They are then treated to a scrumptious feast and very nice wedding souvenirs.
Congratulations Yasuyo! May you have a long and happy married life!