I actually think I need to DNF. I really hate it and the story isn't even interesting so far. He hasn't met the main leading female character(s). Is there anyone out there who thinks this is worth it for me to continue to a certain point?

The doorman leaned into my shoulder and said, ‘A lot of young people don’t know what they really want.’ <…> ‘If you don’t know what you want,’ the doorman said, ‘you end up with a lot you don’t.’

I’m usually not the type of person to post quotes, but this one’s a little too real. And coming from a doorman, too? I wish I met this guy 3 years ago. He would’ve saved me from myself. Is this book this poignant all throughout?

i was looking up the traditional dances done by maiko and found this really cool and informative video: The Life of a Modern Day Tayū working in Kyoto

it seems that tayū are older than the geiko, but they are distinct from the oiran, who were the highest ranking courtesans. aoi tayu-san explains some of this distinction in the video. each section of the video is labeled if you don't want to watch the whole thing. i highly recommend at least checking out her dance and her biwa performance! very mesmerizing.

also, teeth blackening (ohaguro) is something i had never learned about before. apparently the original formula, called kanemizu ("metal" + "water") was concocted with iron fillings, vinegar, and tannins, and helped prevent tooth decay. ohaguro represented maturity, beauty, and status. in the video, aoi-san says that the mixture is harmful to health, but as far as i can tell the main risk is that it will permanently blacken your teeth. the acidity could also be irritating to the gums, and the mixture had a strong and unpleasant odor.

i love how aoi-san was able to go to voice acting school and pursue her dreams, while still remaining dedicated to preserving her culture. i'm sure it was not easy though. i'm sad that so many pieces of so many people's cultures have disappeared or are disappearing. it's very inspirational the way people like aoi-san are working to preserve the culture while also remaining true to her personal values. it makes me sad that because of colonialism and capitalism there are many arts and languages dying with folks because the young don't have the time or desire to take up the mantle (or the erasure was forced by colonizers.) If you can't make a living preserving a traditional hairstyle that takes 2 hours and only two women in the world know how to do, who will take the time to learn? i really admire those who do the immense labors of love in preserving cultures and languages that are in danger of fading away.