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GENERAL The basic duties of a kimono-san are to greet and welcome guests, serve drinks, engage in conversation and to keep everyone happy and entertained. But how to entertain the guests? Well, there are many amusing games to be played, beautiful and elegant dances to be performed. Our kimono-san’s repertoire of subjects ranges from politics to art, through pop music and drinking games. No matter what the occasion, or whom the guests may be, a kimono-san will make your guests comfortable and relaxed.

TEA CEREMONY The tradition of tasting tea originated in China in about the 8th century and was brought to Japan by Zen Buddhists priests at the end of the Heian Period (12th century), who used it to prevent drowsiness during their long hours of meditation. The popularity of tea-drinking among the people began in the early 14th century. The four principals of tea ceremony are WA = harmony KIE=respect SIE=purity and JAKI=tranquility. The host/hostess shows respect to the guest by creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere and ritually purifying all the tea implements be for preparing the tea. The type of tea ceremony that a kimono-san performs is called O-bon temae or tray style. In O-bon temae, the hostess places a tea bowl, whisk, tea scoop, linen cloth and a tea jar on a special tray these items are covered by a silk handkerchief. Thin green tea is prepared on the tray while kneeling on the floor or seated at a small table. This is usually the first ceremony learned, and is the simplest to perform, requiring neither much specialized equipment .

GAMES Tosenkyo-Gazo This games involves throwing an opened fan at an object placed on a block of wood. The object of the game is not only to knock the object off the block, but to create the most beautiful shape between the fan and the object in the process. There is a set score sheet, with diagrams, and the more beautiful and skilled the throw, the more points are awarded. The first player to a set number of points wins. Kompira Fune Fune This is a very fast paced game. A small object such as a sake cup or similar is placed between the two players. A song called "Kompire funefune" is played and sung, and on each beat of the drum, the players must take turns to place their hand on the object. The player may decided to take the object away, in which case the other player must place a fist where the object was. This continues until one player puts a hand wrong. It seems complex, but once it is seen, it is very easy to play, and very fun too. Tora Tora This game is very much like rock paper scissors. The two players are divided by a screen, or must stand back to back. The other guests keep score. On the count of three the two players must pose either as a hunter, a tiger, or an old woman. The hunter beats the tiger, the tiger beats the old woman, and the old woman beats the hunter. Sake konkon This is a drinking game. A sake cup is filled, nearly to the brim. Each player takes it in turn to add just a drop more sake, until one player spills the sake. They must drink what is in the sake cup. It is then refilled and game starts again. Sayuu "Sayuu" means "Left and right". To start, all players, except the kimono-san, place one hand on the table. The furisode-san will then start to sing a chant, and clap the rhythm. With each clap, the players must swap which hand is placed on the table. At the end of the chant, those with their left hand on the table have won, and those without have lost.

FORTUNE TELLING Let our kimono-san Matsuko mystify you as she reads your fortune. She is well versed in the art of the Tarot. Please note. That for legal reasons this service is only available in conjunction with at least one other service within St.Louis city limits.

STORYTELLING   Let our kimono-san enchant you as they weave fanciful tales of old Japan. Hear storys ranging from clasical japanese fary tails to histrical advenchers. A crowd pleser for all ages.