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

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.]

video;

[mcring]

[ The value of family, huh? Cleaning their graves and saying prayers... Morbid, but nice. Noctis never thought of doing something like that, but— He nods. ]

I like the sound of that.

[ It doesn't really apply here for him. The tombs of anybody he loves are all back home on Eos. But there are plenty of places around that would work for praying. By the water sounds nice. Or one of the gardens, maybe stupidly early in the morning. And, of course, the festival, and everything. ...Maybe not the dancing part. But everything else. He'll have to check it out. ]

I've never heard of having altars at home, either. Not like... I mean, besides statues, or something.

[ Statues of your ancestors in battle armor primarily made for public consumption probably don't count, he figures. ]

Do you have something like that in your house here?