A short while ago, Ito Nanako wrapped up her workday and drove home to Tokyo.
Having recently taken over the responsibilities of the Ito family, Ito Nanako has been putting in extra hours to adapt quickly and secure her position as the head of the family.
Typically, she arrives home after 9 p.m. following her workmitments.
However, today is a special asion—her father, Yuhiko Ito, is celebrating his 50th birthday.
She made a point to leave work early to join in the celebration.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
In the past, Ito Yuhiko’s birthdays were grand affairs, attended by not only the coteral members of the Ito family but also leaders from many prominent families across Tokyo.
But since Yuhiko Ito had to amputate both legs, he has be quite averse torge gatherings. Consequently, this year, he opted for a quiet birthday dinner at home, spending time with his daughter, his sister, and their loyal servant, Koichi Tanaka. For them, sharing a meal together feels like a celebration.
Upon entering the house, Ito Nanako found her aunt, Ito Emi, overseeing the preparation of avish meal in the main hall, where a beautiful spread had beenid out along with two bottles of the finest fourteenth-generation Longquan sake for Yuhiko.
Seeing Ito Nanako arrive, Ito Emi smiled warmly and said, “Nanako, why don’t you go to your father’s room and invite him to join us? The food is ready, and now that you’re home, we can start.”
“Of course, Aunt,” Ito Nanako replied, nodding slightly. She then added softly, “Is Father feeling alright?”
“Yes, he’s fine,” Ito Emi reassured her. “He seemed a bit down earlier, but this afternoon, Tanaka came by to keep himpany, and they spent some time feeding the koi and ying billiards. He said he would rest for a bit and asked us to call him when you arrived.”
“Alright,” Ito Nanako sighed gently. “I’ll go and get him.”
“Oh, and don’t forget to change into your kimono first,” Ito Emi reminded her. “You know how your father is about these things. The whole house is dressed in traditional Japanese attire today.”
Ito Nanako smacked her forehead in realization. “I almost forgot! I’ll change right away!”
Japan is, in many respects, and of contrasts.
Among Asian nations, Japan stands out as the most westernized, where office workers don suits and ties even in the height of summer. Yet, it also retains a deep respect for its traditional culture.
For instance, Yuhiko Ito is almost always seen in suits and leather shoes, often adhering more strictly to Western customs than even the British. However, when he’s away from the business world, he prefers thefort of a traditional Japanese manor and dresses in a hakama for significant asions.
Just as a kimono is a symbol of elegance for Japanese women, the hakama is a prestigious traditional garment.
Although Nanako typically opts for modern Western attire for school,petitions, and work, family customs dictate that she dons a kimono for important celebrations to honor her heritage.
In her room, Nanako selected a pristine white kimono and, with the assistance of two personal maids, she adorned herself with the outfit and its apanying essories.
Known as Yamato Nadeko, the most beautiful woman in Japan, Nanako’s stunning appearance in a traditional kimono entuates her exquisite beauty and serene demeanor.<fnf823> Find the newest release on find~novel</fnf823>
One of the maids, while fastening her waist, couldn’t help but exim, “You look so beautiful in a kimono, Miss! If you were to marry in one, you would surely dazzle all of Japan!”
ncing at her reflection in the mirror, Ito Nanako blushed and replied, “Why must one wear a kimono for a wedding?”
The maid responded, surprised, “Your father values tradition highly. If you were to marry without a kimono, he might be quite upset! Besides, I believe that we Japanese women truly shine in kimonos rather than wedding dresses. They are our traditional garments, perfectly tailored for us and beautifully suited to our Japanese elegance.”
Feeling a light blush on her cheeks, Ito Nanako replied, “Did you know that in China, there’s a wedding dress called a dragon and phoenix gown? It’s also incredibly beautiful.”<h3 ss="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>