kira kira — Simone Miller

キラキラ (kirakira)

When something is sparkling or glittery. キラキラ was a form I unknowingly assumed after a serendipitous meeting in Harajuku. It unraveled into an amazing opportunity where I was able to meet and work with wonderful people from Vantan Design Institute.

It all started with a chance encounter in Harajuku. It was Halloween night and I was exploring the alleyways along Takeshita Street. That's when I ran into Natsuo, who asked if I could model for her. After having a missed opportunity in Shibuya (I mistakenly turned down being photographed for FRUiTS), I decided I was up for whatever was in store for me. I was a bit skeptical, but nevertheless we exchanged contact info. With my limited Japanese, I wasn't sure how this would play out.

Soon, I was notified of the dates, and learned that this would be some kind of fashion show at a local design school. Still not knowing exactly what was going on (which will be a reoccurring theme), but still eager, I confirmed and cleared my schedule for the rehearsal and show.

selfie with Natsuo (left) and Aco (right)

The day of the rehearsal, I met Natsuo and her partner, Aco, at Ebisu Station. As they walked me to their school we tried to make some small talk, and I felt a bit awkward as I stumbled with my Japanese. Upon arriving to their studio space, I realized no one spoke English. The conversations I recall are always kind of a blur - I can never remember exactly what was said, but I still felt like I understood. Natsuo and Aco explained to me that the event, High Fes 2016, was a final show to demonstrate their skills and techniques through a concept they created. They were inspired by unicorns, and showed me a video of what I assumed was an earlier practice of their vision.

I was asked to change into my costume, and soon the process had begun. I won't go into too much detail, because that's not what I want to focus on. What really stood out to me was Natsuo, Aco, and everyone else working on the show. I was able to meet and befriend such wonderful people from this experience. All the students were eighteen, with the other two models being around my age. Everyone was so warm and friendly, even the two models who only spoke Japanese and Russian (and a little English). Through the communication struggles of rehearsing and trying to figure out what the heck was going on, I was able to get through it because of the kindness of everyone around me. Even though I would express my embarrassment over my poor Japanese, Aco would tell me "No, it's impressive! I don't know any English!" We bonded over things like KPOP, anime, fashion, food, and dance - and they tried to practice their English with me, too. In such a short amount of time, I really bonded with all these girls, and was so happy and grateful to share this experience with them.

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Everyone was so talented and passionate about what they were doing, yet so goofy and weird. It reminded me a lot of my days in my high school art program - and it really made me miss being a part of that kind of supportive, creative community. This event really gave me so many great experiences, not just with modeling, but with the people I met. I was able to connect and make friends with people doing things we all loved. And by the time everything was finished, I was sad to go. I was thanked by everyone as I left, saying my final goodbyes to Natsuo and Aco outside the building. With final hugs, I walked out into the rain, returning back to my everyday life as an architecture student.

I will never forget them, their warmth and kindness. I promised them I would come back and see them again, and I promised myself that the next time I see them, I will be able to speak to them in Japanese.