Track 5
Kanazawa – Craft House
Well then everyone, for the afternoon, let us diligently take part in the Kaga Hachiman-Okiagari1 painting experience.
Yup. It’s a famous craft here in Kanazawa used to pray for children’s growth and happiness.
The okiagari originated from Yasue Hachimangu,3 located beside Kanazawa station, where there are many Hachiman-sans4 lined up. Fun fact, that shrine was also where the Maeda family5 prayed for the black ships’ retreat.6
We hope that through experiencing Kanazawa’s traditions firsthand, everyone’s learning will be enriched.
I mean, I’m down for that and all…
But what’s with that getup?
I will be serving as your temporary ceramics painting instructor for the day. For that purpose, I have changed into more suitable attire.
WHOA, Mr. K, you work with ceramics!?
Indeed. I happen to hold a certificate as a ceramic manufacturing technician.
(That’s one unique certificate…)
Traditionally, the body would be decorated with shochikubai.7 However, for today, everyone is free to draw whatever they wish.
In that case, I’mma hurry up and decide too… who I’ll base this on…!
Similar to what Nanamegi showed us earlier?
You’re gonna do that with an okiagari?
The trend’s… picked up…
Drawing the other person’s face is okay! Drawing whatever you get inspired by is also okay!
Drawing based on another person sounds fun. We would have 6 people counting me, so let’s split into pairs for this.
I’m obviously pairing up with Muu-chan.
Very well.
Okay, and let’s have our two hosts pair up as well…
O-Okay…
Sure, sounds good.
And are you fine with me, Akuta-kun? Sorry you had to pair up with an adult.
What are you saying? It doesn’t matter whether you're an adult or a child! As long as I’m with you, Teach, I’ll always be hyped.
*bursts into tears* HIC.
Huh, why are you suddenly crying?
(It seemed like it was only yesterday when this age difference between us felt as wide as the Mariana Trench, but Akuta-kun, somewhere along the way, you really grew… I’m so proud… as your teacher… well, as your chief.)
S-Something got in my eye! I’m counting on you, Akuta-kun!
Yes sir!
(...I’m kind of… No, I’m very jealous…)
Time skip
Ugh… Errrrgh…
What’s wrong, Uu-chan?
I can’t properly convey the superiority of your face with my drawing skills…
Oh my… In addition to the wing-like eyelashes, the sharpness of that jawline is also…! Your creation is truly avant-garde, Kurama-kun.
Hey, no peeking…!
And you drew the universe on the body. I’m touched.
Kaguya-kun, you drew Kurama-kun with such a beautifully soft smile
Yes. I wanted to capture how he looks whenever he reads his “holy scriptures,” based on what I remember.
I-I’ve definitely never made a face like that.
Hmmmmmmmm…
Hm… *Akuta looks at Kaede from all sides*...
(Having him look at me like this is kind of embarrassing…!)
Akuta-kun, how does yours look?
Like this!
Whoa, that’s amazing! You put so much detail into it, thanks!
(Ah, he wrote “Teach” on it. Haha.)
Y’know, I’ve been thinking.
What’s up?
Your face alone is kinda a 10.
E-Excuse me!?
What!?
Ah, sorry, was that kinda rude?
(That was nothing but rude…!)
No, it wasn’t. Thank you.
(…)
For Akuta-kun, your eyes are big and overall very expressive, so you look adorable.
You get it~. You can take a closer look at my lovely and charming face if you want~.
Okay, then I’ll come over. Let me just move my chair… and.
!
Hm? Is something wrong?
Um, I don’t have a nosebleed, right?
Yeah, you’re fine.
Hehe, then we’re vibin’! Look as-shu mai-ch as you want~!
(What kind of dim sum is that! Uuurgh~ they’re too close, this is so unfair…!)
I’m, done…
Oh, sorry. I’ll be finished soon.
It’s okay… I’ll wait.
By the way, can I see what you drew?
!! *swoosh*
(He hid it behind himself.)
…
(I was able to focus on drawing, but…)
Flashback
And last time, your shitty lantern got called disgustingly cute by a few peoplE…
This time, they’re probably not even gonna add the cutE.
In other words… it’ll only be dis-gus-ting! GYAHA!
Kanazawa – Craft House
(Won’t… Nanamegi, hate this…? Won’t he think that this isn't a good representation of him…?)
Um…
WHOAAA! Kiroku, you drew this!?
Huh?!
(Isotake can see it from where he's sitting…!?)
You’re done already? That’s fast!
Where is it?
I want to see, too.
(I’m surrounded…!)
Kinugawa-kun, please put it on the table so it is easier to admire.
(There’s nowhere… to run…)
A traditional Japanese roly-poly doll that is designed to always return to the upright position when trying to tip over. It symbolizes perseverance and resistance in the face of adversity. https://tierrazen.com/en/collections/okiagari?srsltid=AfmBOoo3SHPdzgLCJGAKo1vyey7GeAyB4dsAy4EN-ky37ep3KGQJdtAV.
A doll typically red and depicting the Indian monk Bodhidharma. They are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck.
A shrine founded in 939 AD in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
A samurai family located in Ishikawa prefecture that had good relations with Oda Nobunaga and the Tokugawa shogunate.
In 1853, the USA sent 4 black ships to Japan urging them to open up their borders for trade. Before this, the country had been closed for roughly two decades.
“Also known as the Three Friends or the Three Friends of Winter, Sho Chiku Bai is a decorative motif adapted from Chinese ceramics that incorporates elements of pine, plum, and bamboo.” https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/hjccc/glossary/sho-chiku-bai-three-friends.html#:~:text=Chiku%20Bai%20(%E6%9D%BE%E7%AB%B9%E6%A2%85)-,Sho%20Chiku%20Bai%20(%E6%9D%BE%E7%AB%B9%E6%A2%85),pine%2C%20plum%2C%20and%20bamboo.