Okinawan weddings are a riot! A colleague, Hidemi san becomes Mrs Nagamine and a big reception is held. The business starts at 12:30 and continues through to 4:00 and then the younger people go off to party.

We have been in strict regime of preparation for several weeks as it is expected that work colleagues will provide entertainment at the reception. We practice a big dance number with Arisa singing, “You’re too good to be true.” whilst the rest of the division go through a series of routines with pom-poms. We also prepare a Beethoven Minuet and an O’Carolan piece.

Getting ready

The bride and groom are magnificent.

Hidemi is a total sweetheart

Maki, the groom, is a journalist and seems like a very suitable young man. I warn him sternly to be nice to Hidemi. He looks a bit confused. His newspaper prepares a special issue to mark the wedding.

Naoko reads all about it.

There are a series of speeches and acts from friends and colleagues, all of which are devoid of pomp. We are  acts.

Roll Over Beethoven

It helps to have the graceful Arisa, who is a wonderful singer! Hear her sing here. http://youtu.be/X4e8PAdp-8I. Thanks Youhei for the video!

Johnny be good

Here’s to you Mr and Mrs Nagamine

Okinawa! Thanks Micheal for the photo

The order of ceremony, in English for my benefit.

The original is of course in Japanese but they go to the extra effort of an English version for the few of us that are illiterate.

I love Okinawa. It is a culture of fun , playfulness and mutual respect that fits into my idea of how things should be.

No pomp