Geshia Dance

The last few weeks have been very full and cultural. In high school, I remember reading Memoirs of a Geshia and was privilaged enough last weekend to attend a festival of traditional Japanese dances. (We knew one of the dancers so we were able so sneak in back stage.) It was so beautiful and it brought back to life for me all of the descriptions I have read of the geshia dance and the deliberate and delicate movement of the kimono. She danced with fans, umbrellas, and a westeria flower attached to a long rod. Every movement is so intentional, and every glimpse of the chrimson underlayer and wrist and neck line meant to entice male entertainees, traditionally.

I've been spending a lot of my commute time either studying Japanese or reading Shogun. It has been a fascinating read in view of my own current cultural transition. Although things are very different now in Japan, I believe that learning about the historical culture of the Japanese people has been very insightful into understanding today's cultural from an anthropological perspective. The influence of tradition, duty, honor, success, and even gender roles from ancient times can be observed in the central beliefs an values of the culture today. However, as Japan becomes increasingly westernized, especially through the younger generations, it is anticipated that there will be many changes in cultural expectations and values. All in all, it makes it a very interesting time to be living in Japan and a very interesting time to be doing ministry here. There is such a need here for the Gospel (not to be confused with westernization or an imposition of cultural norms); the Gospel of hope, salvation, unconditional love, forgiveness, and eternal life. Please pray for Japan!