I am super exciting so I'll just do a quick update!
What is it?
Sakura viewing, aka Cherry blossom viewing is an event originated from Japan called Hanami which literally translates to 'flower viewing' and since its from Japan normally people these days would travel all the way to Japan to see it. There are Cherry blossom viewing events in the US and more information can be found on here on its history Hanami-US however I can say, coming from Australia, there really isn't much outside cultural events. We don't celebrate a lot of the other worldly celebrations and even if we do, say Halloween, it all depends on your suburb and your city if events will be placed out, so needless to say, generally its pretty boring around here lol (unless ofc you have a ton of money and wanna fork it out to go somewhere 'fun')
So it was a huge surprise to me when my bf asked if I'd like to go to a Sakura viewing event at the Yarra river/Dandenong Ranges park! My first reaction was like 'ok meh' can't be too much fun though but I'll check it out cos it sounds Japanese lol
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| From Wiki- Hanami in Japan |
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| From Dandenong Ranges website, I gotta say the non-Japanese fella in the front in the Japanese get up is really nice to look at LOL |
Overview of it (obtained from their website):
Parks Victoria is inviting everyone to come to the Dandenong Ranges Gardens in celebration of the coming spring season. The National Rhododendron Gardens will host the popular Hanami Festival on 22nd September that sees thousands of people every year come to admire the spectacular cherry blossom grove.
The Hanami Festival is based on the Japanese tradition of 'flower viewing' and refers to the celebration and appreciation of the cherry blossom. In keeping with tradition, visitors will be treated to traditional Japanese flower arranging demonstrations, origami, bonsai, traditional Japanese drumming and tea making ceremonies.
David Adeson, Manager of the Dandenong Ranges Gardens, said that after a cold and wet winter it was a great opportunity for everyone to get out of their lounge rooms and see nature's spectacular springtime show.
Entry to the gardens is free and people can bring a picnic or dine at one of the food stalls on-site and enjoy the picturesque and peaceful surrounds.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Japanese Society
So um yeh..... HECK YES haha!
So like I can totally pretend I'm going to Japan to see all the pretty Cherry Blossom without even leaving the country haha
Since I have never been, I thought it'll be great to dress up for it....in....obviously...A KIMONO
I have always thought of cosplaying, but every year I'd miss out on the only one anime festival I know, Manifest and would regret and think "next year I'll go" and then, it never happens. So this time regardless, I was going to buy a costume and use it on the day! So off to Ebay I went.
I had two choices, one is to purchase a real kimono/yukata OR purchase a cosplay one. Difference? Price tag and obviously material fabric quality. I really wanted a real one because the fabric is much different and would probably fit better, but I had to remind myself, I may only use it once and as tempting as it is, perhaps for the first time I shouldn't dump a ton of money onto it, and just 'dress up' by using cosplay.
The website I was looking at for the real Kimono/yukatas were kimono yukata Market, they seemed the best as all the prices were super reasonable added fast shipping AND best yet, the store is located in Japan and all the items should be handmade, I say should as normally they are handmade but I cant guarantee cos I didn't thoroughly check it previously.
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| I somehow think this model here is the website owner's wife cos shes in every model shot |
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| See the pretty Obi? I want that lol |
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| Shes really pretty @.@ |
I guess if there is another event I can attend I will definitely purchase from them. Cheapest is around $120 USD for the entire set, yukata+obi (belt)+ Geta (sandals)
Sandals alone can cost around $30 on Ebay so their prices are really good HOWEVER,
as tempting as it was, I did go with an ebay purchase...
$30 Yukata Cosplay
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| This one I got. |
I had a whole range to choose from, but I ended up choosing the white with flowers, cos I wasn't too sure which patterns are allowed on a kimono/yukata and I didn't want to offend anyone by wearing the wrong designs so I stuck with the more basic pattern, standard flowers lol
Honestly, after purchasing I was rather hesitant and a bit worried as the time frame I had for delivery is really short and I needed it to be delivered on time, otherwise the purchase would be going to waste, normally Ebay purchases depending from where can take up to 4 weeks, and normally 3 weeks is the standard time. I chose this particular seller because they stated it should arrive within 2 weeks time so I had my fingers crossed
I was also a bit worried on the quality because I knew it would be of a silk material as shown on the photos and although you get what you pay for , I didn't want the material to be all loose and fake looking lol (yeh even cheapskates like me still need to look out for quality. Being Cheap also means being smart)
Well 2 weeks is up....and...
My yukata arrived!
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| Iphone photo, blurry blurry noice. |
Needless to say I am super happy with what I got and really am loving it :D
Even my bf approves which is a good sign! hehe
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| The white fluff on the bottom left corner is my cat, she was really curious but didnt want to take a photo with me, so she gave me her ass. |
Planning to wear black singlet and pants under + black boots, since it is a cosplay and not the real thing, I thought its best to not make it look like I am trying to make it look like the real thing @.@ if that made any sense haha its like I am purposely making it look 'fake' because I don't want people there to think "omg that girl is trying so hard to make her fake yukata look real" and yes mine is a fake because it is a cosplay costume lol
I am writing this up as I should be sleeping, 4:37am wew guess when I get excited, I just cant sleep haha
only one worry I have is that, I know there will be tons of people there probably all dressed up and probably all wearing real kimono/yukatas so I hope they wouldn't compare mine to theirs haha but in the end I am there for myself my bf and the scenery, if people want to judge and compare I guess they should just do it, and I will make sure they will notice how nicely I can work a $30 cosplay and look ma best ;D
ps: I am not going to wear that cushion thing they had attached, I think it looks hideous .-. I know its part of the obi the belt but the real ones are a tied bow, not some weird foamy cushion lol
Needless to say only a few more hours until the Hanami (Sakura viewing) I am uber excited and cant wait to show you guys photos I will be spamming there haha
If anyone is going tomorrow, from Australia that is, make sure to come and say hi!
Take care and until next time
xoxo M3
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