Elizabeth Williams

East weds West. Eastern wedding with western influences and other things besides.

Can you imagine how delighted my husband David and I were when we were invited to a Japanese wedding by Andrea and Vasek Lockmann ( ex Minami Ladies circa 1990's) Their son, Daniel Lochmann (or Rockman, his Japanese name) was to marry Mayu a young Japanese lady from Kochi in Shikoku. The island of Shikoku is one and a half hours flight from Tokyo. This island is still relatively off the tourist track,offering a glimpse of fishing and farming villages.

Although this was esentially a typical Japanese wedding, the young couple successfully managed to merge the two different cultures into the days events. The actual wedding ceremony took place at a Shinto Shrine (Jinja Kekkon). Only family and close friends attended. David and I stood outside the shrine looking on in wonder. The main wedding party were all dressed in traditional dress. The ladies wore black silk kimonos embellished with beautiful embroidery. The men wore formal black silk kimonos which are shorter and looser. Mayu, the bride wore a traditional style white kimono with a large white hood. I understand the large white hood is to 'hide the horns of jealousy'. Apparently, Japanese ladies centuries ago were considered to be very jealous. The bride incorporated a traditional British theme into the wedding garments of having something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new! At the mystical and ancient shrine there was an exchange of vows, chanting a! nd traditional music.

The main wedding reception where most of the guests were invited was held at a venue speciaising in just weddings. The ballroom was like cinderellas palace! quite enchanting, wonderful food, flowers and presents for all the guests. All guests seated, the lights dimmed and the sound of Handle's 'Zardok the Priest' resonated through the room. The bride emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon! Gasps of amazement and sheer delight from my part and also a few tears. You would think I was the brides mother !!! Daniel was still in his traditional kimono, but Mayu, well, she looked just amazing in a sumptuous blue and gold kimono, the headdress all gold with jewels. Wow!

Throughout the reception, we were entertained firstly, by Mayu's uncle who sang and played a traditional instrument and then Daniels friend who played jazz on the piano. There was the breaking of the sake barrel called 'San-san- kudo'; which means 3x3=9. This was performed by both sets of parents with bride and groom. The barrel was hit with such might and fervour that it splattered on Andrea ! Sake cups were offered by both sets of parents visiting each table. There were a few short speeches by friends and family, nothing as outrageous as our country where invarialbly the best man is so nervous he gets drunk!!!

Half way through the reception the happy couple disappeared ! To emerge yet again, but this time Daniel was wearing black tails and Mayu a western style wedding dress of silver and grey lace with tiara. Mayu was carrying a basket of traditional sweets wrapped in cloth bags. Daniel was pushing a trolley carrying a barrel of beer, walking around the room pulling pints !! very British hey ! How wonderful to go to such detail and think of each others culture, all inspired by the young couple.

This wedding celebration went on and on with amazing sights, a film made by Daniel's colleagues of how he was percieved at work,an extemely funny rendition by all involved. A montage of childhood photo's from both sides of the family. Singing, dancing, more changes of dresses by Mayu ! The last creation a dusky pink ball gown covered in roses. To cap it all we witnessed Japanese break dancing what you could only call the splits!! by a very energetic Japanese gentleman. I am sure I saw his eyes watering ! Ouch!

What a wonderful experience, we were so glad that we had this opportunity to be part of this young couples start in married life. Such happiness filled with tears of joy.