LLLLVoices

The Japanese winter, with its serenity, tranquility, and beautiful morning sun. Ah, no, other than Japan, I've only experienced winters in Europe and Vancouver. But in that limited experience, I noticed that Europe's winter is very much European. Those places have their own winters, while Japan has its own. Personally, I like Japan's.

Kenrokuen in winter has a unique charm not found during the other seasons. Until I enrolled in high school, I only focused on figure skating, so I'd never visited it often. But since I started being a school idol, I've been able to experience the culture of my hometown, and so I've come here countless times. With the charm it exudes in every season, Kenrokuen allows you to immerse yourself in its atmosphere upon taking even a simple step inside. It may sound like a stretch to call it a cleansing place, but even so, the atmosphere here in the winter is especially wonderful, and the scenery during the biting cold is truly breathtaking. I quite enjoy seeing the Karasaki pine, its branches protected from the heavy snowfall by the ropes overhead, contrasting against the pure white world! The wise preparations for the incoming snowfall in perfect function makes for a picturesque scene. Like a fusion between functional and aesthetic beauty...though maybe saying that comes off as pretentious? Hmhm~.

Oh, you're asking about this kimono, are you? W-What do you think? To be honest, I avoided wearing it. When I think of kimonos, I always picture very formal attire. I feel a different level of tension than when I wear school idol costumes, almost as if the kimono is tightly taking shape around me... O-Oh, what if I snag it on something and accidentally tear it!? My sewing skills are definitely not good enough for that! But I'm proud that I can take part in a photo shoot in a kimono, just like our seniors did, and that I could hold it at Kenrokuen as an Ishikawa school idol! I hope I can accurately represent the Ishikawa winter! If I manage that, I'd be very happy!

Sayaka: Now then, shall we proceed gracefully? Rurino: Gracefully and elegantly!