Much love Natasha

KYOTO!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  Geishas!  I love it!

I was told this is where they live… on this street full of okiya’s!  Anyone who knows me, knows how much my cousin Ohi and I love the book and the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”.  Since, I was here only for one night, it was a mission of mine to see a real geisha.  To my surprise Sekino-san took me to this street in Kyoto to see if we were able to see any.

As we walked this street, Hanamikoji, many other foreign tourists were in search of the geishas.  They were like the paparazzi, running after any maiko, geiko, or geisha that came into view.  The cab driver warned us that it is very unusual to see any of them walking around, but… to my surprise I was able to see 4!  So beautiful!

I was a part of the paparazzi frenzy!  Haha!  They weren’t able to take photos with us, but we could take of them.  

Someone’s Okiya!  ”Hey, is anyone there?”  

 ” It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for a Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings, she entertains you… What ever you want… the rest is shadows, the rest is secret. “

~Sayuri (from Memoirs of a Geisha)

It was so amazing to see these works of art gracefully glide through the street… I will always remember this!

~Natasha

Just a quick trip… 

The first day of this mini trip, I went to see many Hula Hawaii shops in Tokyo and Yokohama.

The next day I was fortunate enough to meet with the president of “As Know As” clothing line.  Thanks to Asami-san and Sekino-san, I was surprised to be able to see a preview fashion show of their upcoming fall line… it was so amazing!

Immediately after, we went to Kyoto!

Kamanu’s Bar… Now Open in Yokohama!

“Rock-a-Hula”

Kamanu students in Hugs and Honis at the grand opening of Rock-a Hula!

Looks like they are having way too much fun at this bar!  Sounds like a great place for a pau hana drink and some pupus!  Good luck and Best wishes to Kayoko, Kiyoko, Masami and Tomomi and all of the bar staff in Yokohama!  May Rock-a-Hula bring you so much joy!

~Much love,

Natasha

Surprise!

LAULA…

and Me!

On Friday, May 15th, I will have the honor of dancing with Laula in Kyoto!  Come see us at the Kyoto Isetan Department store… I will be there along with Hugs and Honis!  See you soon!

~on my way to Japan!

Natasha

To all the Mothers in this world…

May every mother be celebrated with an abundance of appreciation and an eternity of unconditional love!  We truly are nothing without you!  

To my mom, thank you for giving me this life to live and this heart to love… I love you more than words can say!

Have a happy and blessed Mother’s Day!

~Natasha