video;

[jiyuujin]

[The video opens on a man who couldn't be called old, neither did he exactly appear young though the way he's dressed suggests that he's some noble from some ancient time. There's a cup of tea beside him and as he moves and speaks, it's with a kind of ethereal grace.]

For those of you from Japan you may be aware that Obon season is upon us. For those not familiar with it, Obon is a time to honor those that have departed the world, celebrate their life and invite their spirits back into our own lives for a few days. That may sound rather somber but it's really quite a joyous affair.

Although the particulars are somewhat unique to Japan, I believe there are similar traditions all over the world. I'd love to hear about them if you are familiar with any of them.

I would also like to extend an invitation to a festival that we will be having in a couple weeks around our home in Caihong. [He says our home as if he's done anything to make his housemates or employees aware of these plans. Maybe this explains the boxes they have been piling up in the back of their estate as of late.]

Make your way to the teahouse, Tsukiyo on the 14th of this month for a night of festival food and dancing. Light a lantern for someone you care about and end it all with a bang. There will be fireworks, to put it plainly. It hasn't quite felt like summer without any as of yet, don't you agree?

I hope to see you all there.

[He pauses here to sip his tea. Seems he's not quite done yet.]

Before I leave you, there is one small inquiry I'd like to make as well. I'm in need of someone capable of repairing a sword. I'm happy to pay for this service and I can guarantee a modest amount of additional business in return.

Comments

voice

[spellspeak]

[Natsume definitely notices that traditional clothing and that piques his interest enough, but the idea of the festival helps too.]

I commend your desire to share such traditions HERE. I look forward to IT.

voice;

[jiyuujin]

What can I say? I was feeling rather nostalgic. And I'm sure for some it will be a welcome change of pace from the demands of the more local events.

text;

[liberaltus]

I suppose the closest thing we have to celebrate the dead in Thedas would be All Souls Day at the beginning of Matrinalis. A somber day of remembrance for the dead though it can become festive, people in the northern regions dress up as spirits, or an approximation of spirits, and a parade is held on the streets after midnight.

In other, more devoutly religious areas, pyres are lit in the memory of Andraste, the bride of the Maker, and people put on plays depicting her death. A bit morbid really.

Of course, like most holidays, All Souls Day was sequestered from an entirely different holiday known as Funalis, but that's how these things go.

text;

[jiyuujin]

Ah naturally. Neither can Japan claim the origins of Obon. Rather it was adapted from the customs of a nearby nation when their faith was passed on to us. It was quite fascinating observe the transition.

Your All Souls Day seems reminiscent of a tradition known as Halloween in our world, particularly the part about dressing up for the occasion. Though I believe the costumes were meant to deter the spirits rather than emulate them. It's grown to be quite popular where I'm from though it lacks any theological connotations. Merely an excuse for celebration now. [Whether there's a problem with that or not, isn't for him to say though.]

( video )

[nihonkoku]

This is a wonderful idea, and it's very kind of you to extend the invitation to so many. [ and it's nice to have people doing familiar things..

but then he hesitates, a line forming between his brows in concern. ] That you haven't found anyone to do repairs yet is concerning, but.. I suppose it isn't a simple matter, either. [ considering that it's a very particular skill. ] I'll be certain to ask around.

video;

[jiyuujin]

Death is but one of the many unifying facets of life. For most of us anyway. I couldn't imagine leaving anyone out of such a celebration.

[Ah, he hadn't counted on evoking that kind of concern from anyone though. Awkward...]As for the other matter... it's my fault for delaying in the search, that's all. After recent events I've made it a priority. I promise there's no need for you to worry for my sake.

[Video]

[properprincess]

[Sonia cannot help but respond to this! It is so close to her many interests that she super excited to speak about this.]

Oh! It is about time for Obon! I have been remiss in celebrating it lately, but I would greatly like to do so once more.

[She a wide smile on her face.]

While I am not Japanese, of course, I did spend quite a few years there for school. My home country is located in Europe, and we have a yearly remembrance during the spring for the lives of those lost during the wars that have ravaged the continent. It usually is held on April 21st. There is, of course, Halloween on October 31st and All Saint's Day of November 1st as well, but those are very common for most Western nations, I suppose.

[jiyuujin]

Ah yes I'm familiar with Halloween though I've never ventured away from home myself. Japan has adopted some of its more superficial elements Perhaps in a few months we can also look forward to just such an event.

[He returns the smile now. In truth, he had hoped to evoke just such a sentiment.]

How long have you been away from Japan? While I can't promise this will be exactly like you remember I'm sure it would make for a suitable anecdote for nostalgia.

[Video]

[lightthedarkness]

Is there anything specific you need from me for the day, Jiji-kun?

video;

[jiyuujin]

Lets see... it's imperative that you enjoy yourself and have fun? [Yeah there's probably more than that but he can have his fun too.]

video;

[accurately]

There won't be any strange Lunatian twists?

[ He doesn't want to show up and have his traditional Japanese holiday be filled with moonlacing. >:( He likes traditions to be traditional. ]

video;

[jiyuujin]

That is precisely my intention although I can't control what any individuals may do. It won't be encouraged.

[Despite this being, well... a teahouse. Gotta respect the dead and all.]

video;

[opalcrown]

Ah, Mika-dai. [ He waves lightly, looking a little disheveled, a patterned fabric thrown over his shoulder. ] A festival sounds quite nice... though a little more ornate and extravagant than what we celebrate at home.

Does all of... Japan? [ Was that what he said? ] - does it celebrate Obon? The celebrations we have differ depending on religion, so I'll admit to being curious.

video;

[jiyuujin]

Belias. That looks like it's coming along quite nicely. [How could he not comment when he'd been obliged of such a favor so recently. Not to get too distracted so quickly...]

The customs vary by region though they all celebrate it in some way or form. Humans will travel great distances at this time just to be with their families. One important ritual involves cleaning the graves though of course that won't be possible for us. As for us swords, we might be more inclined to celebrate the lives of our former masters. [Though whether that's the case for him remains unsaid.]

You mentioned there were many religions in your lands? Over time Japan has adopted a number of them although there are two in particular that inform the majority of our traditions. Obon comes from one. And I belong to the other.

[huaisang]

What happened to the sword?

[jiyuujin]

Damaged in battle.

[As if that weren't obvious. More notably, he leaves off the subject.]

There was someone capable of handling the repairs until recently.

video;

[goban]

How much have you damaged it?

[ not that he's a swordsmith by any stretch of the mind, but he's certainly owned enough of them to have a lot of the basic concepts down. ]

video;

[jiyuujin]

Ah. Nobunaga-dono.

[This is fine.]

It's not broken.

[hoasen]

Ah, so that is Obon. [She has some idea, but it's not something she has celebrated with Japan. Her own versions, yes, but not quite. Since this one is something the swords are hosting, and potentially her brother as well, she will follow their traditions exactly once she arrives.

But also--]

Do you need me to do anything as well? I could help. It sounds like you have much to do.

Our Ghost Festival is different, though I believe around the same time. It is somber, but also a time to pardon those condemned in hell. And more recently, a kind of appreciation day for one's mother.

[jiyuujin]

Ah that's right. Did yours come to you by way of China as well? Amazing how these things can start from the same place yet take on such a great many forms.

[Oh but there's also the matter of her offer.]

That's very generous of you. I believe I have almost everything that is needed though there's some decorating to be done. We'll have to construct a platform for the dance. Thought I'm sure some of my friends would be delighted to see your lovely face around.

(voice)

[yakiniku]

Finally something I can participate in that I can understand and isn’t strange to me.

Thank you.

video;

[jiyuujin]

It was my hope that others would feel the same way. I'd be glad to see you there.

Though I regret that I haven't yet taken you up on the other matter we discussed. How have you been since then?

[voice]

[braverpath]

Bon Obori!

[Can you hear the excitement? Yoshimitsu is loud as hell even on a good day.]

Ho, ho, ho! I shall most certainly attend, especially since I might be the "oldest" here.

[ He has a few centuries on you folks. ]

Tis good to honor thy ancestors! It promotes future prosperity.

Re: [voice]

[jiyuujin]

[Yep that's Mikazuki just casually pulling the device away from deafening range.]

I'm sure you'll be the life of the dance. Though it isn't often that I come across anyone older than a millennium even here.

[But if that's the case then he's very interested.]

text

[okureta]

Who are getting to do all the work setting that up? You sure as hell aren't doing it by yourself.

text;

[jiyuujin]

Are you saying you could do better, Ookanehira-dono?

[Video]

[saigawa]

I guess it's not a bad idea to have Obon here.

[So hey, when are you telling him this? Just this post? But at least it's a celebration. Ideally not as eventful as last month's.

Whether Kashuu helps out with setting up is another thing...]

Did you find someone for the repairs yet? [Without the Saniwa, any of them, sword maintenance becomes more and more important.]

video;

[jiyuujin]

I'm so glad to hear you think so Kashuu-dono. Some of the others expressed concerns that I might be impossing on them.

[But hey, his house his rules.]

Don't tell me you've also gone and hurt yourself though. I'll give you a kiss but I can't promise that will make it all better.

video;

[mcring]

[ The start of Cordis means this guy's got cat ears, but not like that's really unusual around here. They basically blend into his gel-spiked hair, anyway. ]

I can't fix your sword, sorry. There was a friend back home who did stuff like that for me. ...I hope you find somebody.

[ So, pretty useless there. He'll be asking around too, but the network seems like the best way to find someone who can repair weapons, and the guy already tried that. ...Anyway. ]

Can you tell me more about Obon? We don't have anything like that in Lucis.

[ Or well, maybe they have seasonal festivals that might be similar, but nothing by that name. Celebrating the dead, though... sounds like something Noctis wants to hear about. ]

video;

[jiyuujin]

I'd appreciate it. I'm not in a position to turn down any help at this point.

[It's been pretty discouraging especially considering it means his life is under constant threat until it's fixed. Better to think about fun things like festivals.]

While I don't mean to presume that family is more important for our nation than anywhere else but I suppose it arose from necessity of caring out ones filial duties even after death. It's a time for families to gather. They clean the graves of their loved ones, purify them and say prayers for them.

The altars in one's home are decorated with food and offerings that might please the deceased. These offerings serve to guide home spirits that might otherwise go astray. Finally, to celebrate their return, it's customary to hold large public dances.

These days the dance festival is a somewhat more secular affair but I'm still fond of it's meaning. [Well he's been around since the beginning of it after all.]

audio;

[anti_altruisms]

Have you found someone to repair your sword?

[jiyuujin]

[There's an audible sigh over the network.]

No. Dozens of people capable of working on technology I could only dream of before before coming here. But not a hint of anyone that knows how to handle a simple forge.

[He's starting to think this is his punishment for being careless.]