a wedding in Japan

we went to our first Japanese wedding reception last night. Ben's co-worker, Rina Nakazono (or Nakazono San as we call her) tied the knot at a ceremony earlier in the day, and we were invited to the reception afterwards. It was held at what I consider the most posh hotel in the city, the Shiroyama Castle Park Hotel. We were treated to a special seven course vegetarian meal while the other guests chowed down on foie gras, miniature lobsters and smoked salmon, amongst other unknown French~Japanese fusion foods.

This is how our meal went, as far as I can remember (the plates just kept coming and coming:) First, a "caprese" type tomato appetizer with little crustini-type bread. 2nd, a vegetable plate, with a carrot-raisin thing, with mushrooms, tomatos and endives, and a japanese seaweed noodle glass, garnished with slimey mountain potato. 3rd, a sauteed daikon (japanese radish) with yummy flat noodles atop it. 4th, a steaming hot five bean soup. 5th, glazed, fried tofu with asparagus on the side. 6th, a green salad with cucumbers, potatoes, and mushrooms. And finally, a mochi dessert with fresh berries and melon + coffee on the side.

In between I'd say about the 4th and 5th course, all of the English teachers were called up for our turn on stage to perform! We sang "Stand By Me," and were led by Ben, and another teacher, Kurt, on guitar. It's customary for some friends and/or relatives to do some kind of performance at these very formal wedding receptions. What a contrast! One minute, very formal speeches are being said, and the next, a group of sequined dress wearing men come up to lip-synch a Korean pop song (that is what followed our song!! I'm not joking!)

It was a very beautiful reception and I enjoyed seeing the bride in her many outfits- all four of them! Two ornate kimonos, and two glamorous western style wedding gowns. My favorite was the closing video showing highlights of the evening, including our videotaped messages to the new couple and even some shots of our song earlier in the evening.

Before catching the train home, I conviced Ben to take some Purikura photos together, since we were all dressed up. Enjoy!
*Just remembered another course... in between the 3rd and 4th we ate a plate of tempura with a selection of different dipping salts, matcha, curry, or plain.