The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt. 14.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 13; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_25.html

Intermission! 

This section gave us our first proper look at the Olympic Cauldron. The art installation that once lit will be the ever present symbol of these games.

It is a white orb suspended above a pyramid. Intended to resemble The Sun Rising Over Mount Fuji.

Officially speaking these 2020 Summer games follow on from the 2016 Summer games. Held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

However chronologically they pick up from the 2018 Winter games. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

Those PyeongChang games marked the start of a long stay in Asia for the Olympics. Including those games, these games and the 2022 Winter Olympics. To be held in Beijing, China.

So the South Korean hosts took the opportunity to introduce us, not just to South Korea. But also to concepts that are common throughout Asia.

Such as traditional Asian, Animist religions. Particularly the Wu Xing. The five essential elements which make up the Universe and everything in it.

The Japanese hosts have used this opportunity to look further at traditional Asian, Animist religions. 

The dominant Animist religion within Japan is; "Shinto" or; "The Way of the Gods."

Like all Asian Animist religions Shinto has no central doctrine, laid out in a religious book. Like the Bible within Christianity or the Qu'ran within Islam. 

Followers of Shinto even find the term; "Religion" to be overly definitive.

Central to Shinto are the; "Kami." Which literally translates as; "Gods."

However the more accurate translation is probably; "Holy Powers," "Holy Spirits" or; "Holy Forces."

The Kami are similar to the Jewish concept of God. That God is the Universe and the Universe is God.

God has two parts. The great unknowable, unseeable; "Godhead." Along with the body of God. The Universe in which we all exist.

The; "Tree of Life" is almost like God's nervous system. Through which the Godhead can send messages to the things, such as humans, which exist in God's body. The Universe.

Likewise Kami are not separate from nature but are nature. Kami are the Universe in which all things exist.

To really stretch the Tree of Life metaphor. You could almost think of the five elements of the Wu Xing as the nodes or archetypes. While the Kami are the lines connecting them.

Within Shinto there are an almost infinite and ever growing number of Kami. 

It is believed that many of the ancient Japanese clans or families descended from Kami. So every time a member of that family dies they become a Kami. 

While there is no central religious text in Shinto. Many of the myths, legends, songs and stories of its early practice have been recorded in the; "Kojiki" or; "Records of Ancient Matters." First compiled in the 8th Century A.D

The Kojiki details over 300 categories of Kami. That is not 300 Kami. That is 300 categories into which the almost infinite number of Kami can be divided into.

However the first category of Kami are the; "Kotomatukami" or; "Distinguished Heavenly Kami."

The Kotomatumai represent the beginning of existence. The creation of the; "Takamagahara" or; "Plain of High Heaven."

The original three Kotomatumai were;

Ame-no-Minakanushi - the; "Lord of the August Centre of Heaven" or; "Central Master." 

Takaminmusubi - the; "High Creator."

Kamimusubi - the; "Divine Creator."

They were soon joined by two other Kotomatumai;

Umashi-ashi-Ashikabi - the; "God of the Budding Reed" or; "Energy."

Ame-no-Tokotachi - "Heaven."

Then from the Plain of High Heaven the World was created. 

With it another category of Kami. The; "Kamiyo-nanayo" or; "Seven Generations of the Age of Gods."

The first generation Kamiyo-nanayo was;

Kuni-no-Tokotachi - "The God That Rose Like A Reed From The Soil."

The second generation Kamiyo-nanayo was;

Toyo-kumono-no-kami - "The God of the Wealth of Trees and Clouds."

The next five generations of Kamiyo-nanayo came in pairs;

Uhijinji - "Mud" and; Suhijini - "Sand." 

Tsunugui - "Sprout" and Ikugui - "Grow."

Otonoji - "Male Genitals" and Otonobe - "Female Genitals." Taken together; "An Intercourse Between Male and Female Genitals" or; "Sex."

Omodaru - "The Earth is Complete" and Ayakashikone - "Surprisingly Wonderful!"

Izanagi - "Man Who Invites Forth" and Izanami - "Woman Who Invites Forth."

It is believed that it was Izanagi and Izanami who created the Japanese archipelago.

So essentially the Shinto creation myth for Japan is;

The Gods had sex. The Earth moved. Japan was born.

Within Shinto Kami are not separate from nature. They are nature. Nature is the manifestation of Kami. 

Mount Fuji is the manifestation of Kuni-no-Tokotachi. The God That Rose From The Soil. Or Kuni-no-Tokotachi is the spirit which inhabits Mount Fuji.

As such Mount Fuji - "The One of Great Standing" - is considered the most important of Japan's; "Three Holy Mountains."

The others being; Mount Haku - "The White Mountain" and; Mount Tate - "Outstanding Mountain."

The Sun being the manifestation of Amaterasu. The goddess that brings light from the heavens.

Like the Japanese archipelago Amaterasu is a child of Izanagi and Izanami. She has two younger siblings; 

Tsukuyomi - the goddess that watches at night. The Moon. Susanoo - the god that brings forth wildness and violence. Storms and Floods.

Collectively Amaterasu, Tsuyomi and Susanoo are known as; "Mihashira-no-uzu-no-miko" or the; "Three Precious Children."

More precious even then Japan itself.

The five Kotomatumai along with the first two generations of Kamiyo-nanayo are considered; "Hitroigami." "The Singular." "Those Who Exist Alone."

They are simultaneously male, female and genderless. Rather like how the Jewish Godhead is considered to be unseeable, unknowable.

The Kami didn't divide into pairs until the third generation of Kamiyo-nanayo. Male and female genitalia didn't emerge until the fifth generation Kamiyo-nanayo.

The main Asian, Animist religion within South Korea is Taoism. It is the Taoist Ying Yang symbol which forms the centre of their flag.

The Ying Yang symbol represents the eternal need for a complimentary balance between opposing forces within the Universe. Be those opposing forces male and female, light and dark, good and evil etc. 

As discussed the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Emblem, Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Moro), features a geometric progression. A constant march between light and dark.

Within Balinese Hinduism this pattern is known as; "Saput Poleng." Used in the same way as the Taoist Ying Yang. Representing the eternal need for a complimentary balance between opposing forces within the Universe.

All Shinto Kami, be they male, female or Hitroigami also represent this need for balance. They contain both light and dark, positive and negative, good and evil etc. 

Which all serves as an elaborate way to troll the slower nations; New Zealand, Canada and America. 

Who think Transgender athletes are still an ongoing debate within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

It shows that all this making up of ever more elaborate, self-selecting gender pronouns. It doesn't make you sound exotic and interesting.

It just makes you sound ignorant.

In Malay this rising sun would be named; "The Eye of the Day" or; "Mata Hari." The named selected by Margetha Zelle. 

After the breakdown of her marriage to Rudolf MacLeod. Whose colonial Dutch East India Company helped suppress Japan's Shimbara Rebellion. During the first Black Ships period. 

Margetha Zelle chose the name Mata Hari in an effort to sound more exotic and interesting. As she launched her career as an exotic dancer/stripper.

Instead Mata Hari went on to become probably the most famous failed female spy in history.

All of which joins Azerbaijan's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. In a stern rebuke to the US/UK's clumsy efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Making clear that we all know what the US/UK hope to achieve by that. Meaning that Miley Cyrus' mission is already over. She has absolutely no value as a spy or some sort of espionage weapon.

So if they are going to continue to ruin Miley Cyrus' life like that.

Then they are doing so simply out of sadism and spite.

Particularly as now, since the Olympics, the clumsiness of their efforts. Mean that I no longer have a relationship with Miley Cyrus for them to hijack.

In light of the earlier "Comedy Control Room" sequence. In which Hitori Gekidan tried and failed to find his female boss' button. Forcing Shizuka Arakawa to find and flick her own button.

Along with the Shinto creation myth of Japan.

That pearl-like nub. Is certainly intended to be interpreted as a Clitoris.

Part of the Otonobe which I'm told can make things Ayakashikone.

At around 18:15 on 2/12/21 (UK date) this is so much to be continued. 

Edited at around 17:55 on 6/12/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;

The main part of the section was a short performance of; "Shibaraku" or; "Stop A Moment." This is one of the oldest and most famous stories in the Kabuki Theatre tradition.

As was mentioned in the Pictogram Round section. A lot of people think that Kabuki is Japanese puppet theatre, or even just shadow puppet theatre. Such as that used to portray the Equestrian pictograms.

Japanese puppet theatre, including shadow puppets, is actually Bunraku.  However it is a reasonable mistake to make.

When you think about theatre in the modern, western tradition. You probably think about sitting quietly in the dark. Inside a building for several hours.

Kabuki Theatre is much more like an all day music festival. It takes place in a large outside arena. It begins when the sun rises and continues until the sun sets.

Over the course of that day you have the main play. 

However you also have various intermissions and interludes interspersing the main play. In order to give the performers and audience time to rest, eat and do other things.

This is something that has been alluded to throughout the Opening Ceremony. Particularly with the little interludes with the Media Clowns.

Shibaraku isn't actually a Kabuki play. It's one of these short intermissions that accompany the play. 

To give you an idea of how long Kabuki performances last. Shibaraku, as a "short" interlude, normally takes about 50 minutes to an hour to perform.  

Bunraku was brought into Kabuki to provide entertainment during those interludes. As its popularity grew it began to play a bigger and bigger part.

In the 1840's Japan suffered a series of droughts. Which, in turn, caused a series of wildfires.

Something which Climate Change is forcing us all to deal with more.

These wildfires destroyed many of the wooden buildings and structures used in Kabuki Theatre. Both to stage performances and to store things props and costumes.

That almost completely destroyed the Kabuki Theatre industry. Rather like how the Pandemic has almost completely destroyed much of the modern theatre and live entertainment industry, the World over.

As the Kabuki industry struggled to get back on its feet. It started to stage exclusively Bunraku performances. A cheaper way to quickly get some revenue flowing in.

This coincided with the Perry Expedition and the end of Japan's; "Sakoku" or; "Locked State" policy. 

So when foreigners started to arrive and experience Kabuki Theatre for the first time. They were actually experiencing Bunraku. The misconception was born.

Shibaraku is set during Japan's Sengoku or; "Warring States" period. 

An evil Daimyo (Warlord) has seized power in a village. He's taken many of the villagers prisoner and is threatening to execute them at the steps of a Shinto shrine. 

As this particular performance is taking place in the shadow of the Olympic Cauldron. Which is intended to resemble the sun rising over Mount Fuji.

I think we can assume that the Shinto shrine is the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine. Which sits at the foot of, and technically includes, Mount Fuji. In honour of Kono-no-Tokotatchi.

Just as the evil Daimyo is about to murder the villagers. There is a sudden, off-stage, cry of; "SHIBARAKU!"

Then the hero emerges. The Samurai Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa. He quickly dispatches the evil Daimyo, rescues the prisoners and saves the day.

Again when you think of the modern, western theatre tradition. You probably think of sitting there in perfect silence. Only applauding politely once the performance has ended.

Kabuki Theatre is much closer to the Music Hall tradition. Which continues to live on in Pantomime Theatre. particularly at this time of year.

It's all very raucous and often coarse. Audience participation is not only allowed. It is actively encouraged.

A big part of Kabuki is the huge, dramatic entrance of characters. They use a special stage known as a; "Hanamichi" or; "Flower Path" which stretches through the crowd to help achieve this. 

Along with various other elaborate tricks such as trapdoors, lifts and wires. All things you would probably associate with a modern popstar's big arena tour.

However I think the closest thing I can compare these dramatic reveals to. Is something like WWE Wrestling. Or the ring walks that Boxers and MMA fighters do before their bouts.

The term; "Playing to the Gallery" or; "Keren" is actually something that has entered western culture from Kabuki Theatre. Via the Music Hall tradition.

Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa, here played by Ichikawa Ebizo Xi, is a particularly bombastic and macho hero. Another common feature of Kabuki.

It's said that Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa lost an eye scaling a fortress wall in battle. Rather like the central character in The Dubliners song; "The Kerry Recruit."

A song which, at the time of the 2021 Super Bowl I used in reference to the change in government in Myanmar/Burma. A poor pun on Tie/Thai.

So you could certainly use that connection to discuss Myanmar/Burma here. Not that I think Japan was making any particular point about it.

The Kerry Recruit is actually set during the Crimea War of 1853-1856. So it is incredibly easy to go from there to the current conflict in Ukraine.

It's certainly a connection I've made plenty of times myself. The Nazis and Neo-Nazis recruited by former US Secretary of State John Kerry. Prompting the people of Crimea to decide to rejoin Russia.

Bruce Springsteen did a version of the similar The Dubliners song; "Mrs McGrath." Which played a part in his daughter, Jessica, being selected for America's Olympic Equestrian team.

As part of that massive running joke. Of me teaching everyone about Reiner Klimke's Cavaletti method of horse training.

While the US/UK were adamant that Miley Cyrus and I couldn't communicate directly. As that would be a secret, that no-one else could see.

Due to my, now defunct, 'Facebook Friendship' with Kim Kardashian "Mrs McGrath" seemed to get stuck in Chrissy Teigen's head. During her miscarriage in 2020.

All of which underlines to the US/UK the truth about my place in the World. While also really underlining how little actually happened in 2020.

Despite only having one eye. Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa is said to be such a powerful warrior he can defeat most enemies with a glare. A huge part of his character.

Amid the many performances over hundreds of years. I'm sure that Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa has been portrayed in many different ways. 

However in this performance he is very much being played for comedy effect. A parody of a sort of toxic masculinity which is rather central to Confucian thought.

An important contribution to that recurring theme. Improving rights of women in Japanese society.

So here Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa has his very phallic, oversized sword. Along with his oversized "Sansho" displaying his family crest. Which I'm sure could be mistaken for testicles.

The final humiliation is when he needs the help of the villagers to put on and take off his elaborate armour. Without the help of those, predominately women. He really doesn't seem that impressive after all.

Some people have mentioned, including the BBC commentator. That Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa resembles the; "Darth Maul" character from Star Wars.

They are, of course, incorrect. Darth Maul resembles Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa.

As has been mentioned Star Wars is pretty much stolen, or appropriated, from Japanese culture.

The Jedi and their robes are just Samurai. With their Shinto struggle between the balance of light and dark forces in the Universe.

However I can't say that Darth Maul is directly based on Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa. I still think of Tatooine as primarily a city in Tunisia.

People have also have noticed that the depiction of Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa here. Very, very closely resembles the avatar I used to use on Twitter. 

Before I was blocked from the platform. Events that were discussed during the "The Strength From Within" section.

The small green Lego Ninja. With the two massive, oversized Samurai swords.

An avatar I selected in part in reference to my work combating Climate Change. My green credentials. 

It was also a joke about that Samurai sword attack on my childhood Church. By a Delusional Schizophrenic who seemed to genuinely believe he was living in the TV show; "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." 

A joke I used to make some 20-30 times a day.

So this section really drove home. How stupid Twitter were in blocking me from the platform.

It also really drove home. Just how far the US/UK have withdrawn from reality. In attempting to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Thinking that the psychological trauma of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the first time. Would see me pour my poor little heart out to her. All over the Internet.

Of course it was in escaping a 2004 US/UK assassination attempt, the; "Beslan Gas." That I slightly but permanently messed up the sight in my left eye.

I'm sure though that Boris Johnson and Joe Biden will have me cowering in fear any day now.

At around 18:20 on 6/12/21 (UK date) there is still much to be continued. 

Edited at around 17:10 on 8/12/21 (UK date) to credit Ichikawa Ebizo Xi and copy & paste;

The popular image of a Ninja. A figure all clad in black, face hidden. That's actually another misconception.

That all black outfit is actually worn by Bunraku puppeteers. Along with Kabuki stagehands. A way for them to melt into the background.

There's not actually any one style of clothing associated with Ninjas.

While Samurai are the noble warriors. Fighting for the honour of their Emperor and Shogun.

Ninjas are more the dirty little secret. The clandestine spies, assassins, provocateurs and saboteurs fighting for profit. An early form of Special Operations Forces (SOF).

So Ninjas would most commonly wear civilian clothes. A more effective way for them to melt into the background.

One of the earliest stories of a Ninja, recorded in the Kojiki. Was the 4th Century Prince Yamato Takeru who assassinated two leaders of the Kumaso clan. While dressed as a woman.

Further underlining that longstanding link. Between Cross-Dressing and Special Operations Forces.

It is part of the mythology and folklore surrounding Ninjas. That they are said to be able to control the natural elements. Weaponising them against their opponents.

So amidst the Pandemic. It seems particularly foolish of Twitter. To have picked a fight with the green Ninja.

This performance of Shibaraku was accompanied by jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, or simply; "Hiromi." Energetically performing songs from her 2019 album; "Spectrum."

This was very much a reference to the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Which so heavily featured in the "Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Mori)" section.

The stated concept behind the album. Is to explore how colours are interconnected like musical notes are interconnected.

It also served as a reference to the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Para-Olympic Games. Held in Rio de Janerio. Specifically the section which I entitled; "Blindness."

This looked at; "Synaesthesia." One of the more interesting neurological conditions this causes the brain to misinterpret sensory stimuli.

So a person would end up hearing colour. Or tasting smell.

The reference here served as a reminder to Brazil. The nation with the largest ethnically Japanese population outside of Japan.

That amid all the references to South Korea and the 2018 Winter games. Japan hasn't forgotten about them.

Along with other references to the Para-Olympics throughout the ceremony. It was also intended to show parity between the Olympics and Para-Olympics.

Japan's way of sending the message. That they view this Opening Ceremony as marking not just the start of the Olympics but also marking the start of the Para-Olympics. One single, continuous event.

Although Hiromi's work blends many musical styles. She is primarily a Modern Jazz musician. A genre of music which absolutely dominates modern Japanese society.

As was discussed at the 2021 Oscars. The story of Jazz provides a useful way to tell the story of Black Americans. In the aftermath of the US Civil War (1861-1865), which brought about the end of slavery.

Black Americans in the Civil War Southern States which were controlled by the Democrat Party. They continued to be oppressed by segregation and Jim Crow laws. Essentially slavery by a different name.

However Black Americans in the Civil War Northern States which were controlled by the Republican Party. They were free. 

Allowing for an explosion or renaissance of Black achievement and prosperity. Including the creation of Jazz and Blues music.

This Jazz and Blues music is really the foundation for all modern, western popular music. The Rolling Stones have, rightly, been described as nothing more than a Blues cover band.

By its nature Jazz music is non-conformist. Its songs are not written and rehearsed in advanced. Instead they are improvised by the musicians on the day. Going wherever the music takes them in the moment

The notion of a Jazz record is really a contradiction. More than any other genre of music it is one that is supposed to be experienced live.

In her physical appearance and demeanour. Particularly her haircut. Hiromi also seems to have been influenced by Punk music and fashion.

Punk is another genre of music that, by its nature, is non-conformist and rebellious. 

It started as a backlash against the classic rock which, through groups like The Rolling Stones, had evolved from Blues. Yet become hideously self-indulgent and overblown.

While it's not as ever present as modern Jazz. Japan does have a significant Punk youth sub-culture. Particularly linked to fashion and that debut Olympic sport, Skateboarding.

Japan also has a very rigid and conformist culture. So it is interesting how they have adopted and replicated these very non-conformist styles of music.

It sometimes looks as though they've managed to perfectly copy the technical aspects of the music and its culture. Yet have done so while completely missing out its passion, or if you like, soul.

Although that's another topic I don't feel particularly comfortable lecturing on. Despite by long, 20 year, relationship with Japan. I am not Japanese. I have never visited the country, let alone lived there.

So it is entirely possible that Japanese versions of Jazz and Punk do contain the passion along with the technical aspects. Just not in a way that I am able to understand.

A sort of Cultural Synaethesia, if you will.

The earlier performance of the Japanese National Anthem. Through that spectacular dress designed by Tomo Koizumi.

Looked at Japan's journey towards enlightenment on the issue of gay rights. Particularly the issue of equal rights for gay women.

I don't think anyone with any knowledge of lesbian or Greek history. Believes it was an accident that Sapporo District Court was chosen to hand-down that landmark ruling on gay marriage.

This Opening Ceremony has also made frequent reference to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, South Korea.

In that light. Hiromi's frantic, passionate, skilful finger action. Made me think of the 2016 South Korean movie; "The Handmaiden."

This was a big movie around the time of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Having only just started to be distributed outside of Asia. 

Making it another movie I had to discuss without actually having seen.

I have since seen it.

It is an adaptation of; "Fingersmith" by British (Welsh) writer Sarah Waters. Whose work has iconic status amongst the western lesbian community.

Waters similarly themed novel; "Tipping The Velvet" was adapted into a BBC Two mini-series broadcast in 2002. 

Set in the world of Music Hall Theatre it starred Rachael Stirling. The great-neice of David Stirling. Founder of the Special Air Service (SAS).

In 2005 Fingersmith was also adapted into a mini-series. Only this time it was shown on the main BBC One.

I don't actually think I've seen either of those adaptations. However I suspect they don't contain the most graphic lesbian sex scenes that I have ever witnessed. Particularly not between 2002 and 2005.

I do though remember there being a little bit of a controversy at the time. 

Over what was acceptable to show in a prime-time, immediately post-watershed drama. The sort of thing parents might allow their older children to stay up and watch.

It is the great contradiction of South Korean society. That they have this very mischievous and cheeky sense of humour. Yet also have this very conservative, polite and reserved culture.

So I was rather interested to see how they would deal with the sex scenes in The Handmaiden. Which is, primarily, a love/sex story.

I suspected they might only be able to get away with the occasional chaste, same-sex, kiss. Or, perhaps, even the momentary flash of a nipple.

The Handmaiden tells the story from two perspectives. A device used in that Israeli Jewish love letter to me; "The Affair."

Another TV show, which like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The US/UK still don't seem to have grasped. 

Despite it being set in the US. With a UK-led cast, including Ruth Wilson.

First The Handmaiden tells the perspective of "Nam Sook-hee", played by Kim Tae-ri. 

Then it tells the perspective of "Lady Izumi Hideko," played by Kim Min-hee. The heiress who Sook-hee is trying to steal from.

In the first perspective the movie is very much what I was expecting. A very restricted, held back compromise. In dealing with a subject that social conservatives would find offensive.

In the second perspective the movie just completely goes for it.

Sort of taking the admirable attitude; "If we're going to get in trouble anyway. We may as well get all the way in trouble!"

Displaying that cheeky, mischievous South Korean sense of humour. That the World seemed to fall in love with in the 2020 multiple Oscar winner; "Parasite." 

At around 17:30 on 8/12/21 (UK date) I'll have to finish this section tomorrow. 

Edited at around 20:25 on 9/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

If I had to describe this section in a single phrase it would be;

Hiromi excitedly masturbates her clitoris. Preparing her vagina to receive Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa's massive penis.

A description that might seem at odds with Japan's famously very rigid, deferential, polite culture.

However Japan's culture only became so rigid and conformist during the Edo Period. Particularly through the introduction of the Tokugawa Class System.

Kabuki Theatre pre-dates that. Beginning during the Sengoku or; "Warring States" Period.

It's certainly not lazy to compare Japan's Sengoku Period to the TV show; "Game of Thrones."

In fact there's a storyline in Game of Thrones where the "Ayra Stark" character, played by Maisie Williams drops out of Assassin/Ninja school. Then takes up with a touring theatre company.

That theatre company seems inspired by a Kabuki Theatre company. Although we might be touching on another recurring theme of the ceremony. 

Things that are common to all humans. Regardless of where they are in the World.

Maisie Williams next big TV project will be a mini-series about Punk icons the Sex Pistols. Directed by the director of the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle.

Playing the model "Jordan" I think Maisie Williams' role owes more to the Vivienne Westwood fashion side of the story. Rather than the music.

Not that I'm in a particular rush to see it. Lest Maisie Williams gets popped on a white horse again. Then sent round my house.

When she should wait until I'm visiting my mothers and sister. We'd at least teach her to ride the thing properly. Well, certainly better than she'd learn on; "Ru Paul's Drag Race."

The Tokugawa Class System introduced a very strict social hierarchy. Where everyone was assigned their station by birth. No-one had the option of moving to a higher station.

In contrast Kabuki culture is extremely egalitarian. Everyone is welcome and everyone mixes freely with one another.

If anything Kabuki culture allowed The Merchant class to elevate themselves. Giving them the opportunity to flash their increasing wealth about.

That put it in direct conflict with the Tokugawa Class System. Which considered The Merchant class to be the lowest of the low. 

Only one rung above the Burakumin. Who were considered so low as to not even be part of the system.

Kabuki Theatre is also closely intertwined with prostitution. Which although legal was certainly frowned upon.

The earliest recorded forms of Kabuki were performed entirely by female casts. Playing both female and male roles.

The intermissions and interludes in the day long performances. Were there to allow the actresses to undertake 'other work.'

In Japanese the word; "Yujo" is used to describe both an; "Actress" and a; "Common Prostitute."

In 1629 female Kabuki or; "Onna-kabuki" was banned. For being too sexual.

This ban gave rise to Wakashu-kabuki or; "Young Person Kabuki." In which young boys took on female roles in entirely male casts. As was common in Europen, Shakespearean theatre at the time.

However the prostitution did not stop. So Wakashu-kabuki was also swiftly banned.

This left Yaro-kabuki or; "Young Man Kabuki." In which casts made up of adult men playing all roles. Male, female, adult, child.

That didn't stop the prostitution either. However it did seem to convince the Japanese authorities that they were probably never going to stop the prostitution. So gave up trying.

Needless to say though. When the Kabuki Theatre industry was nearly destroyed by the droughts and wildfires of the 1840's.

The Japanese authorities weren't exactly falling over themselves to help. 

Unlike how many governments having been helping the modern theatre and live entertainment industries during the Pandemic.

This nearly 400 year tradition of cross-dressing and assuming gender-roles. Allows for discussion about The Differences Between Transgenderism and Cross-Dressing.

Somewhat like the early Hitrogami Kami. Transgender people are simultaneously both male and female. While, at the same time, not being, strictly speaking, either male or female.

In order to find a place for themselves in society. Transgender people choose to affirm either their male or female gender. 

The one they feel most comfortable with. Even if that may be different from the one they may have outwardly appeared as from birth. Essentially we're talking genitals.

Cross-Dressing is completely different.

For a small group of people it is done for their own sexual gratification. A fetish.

For the overwhelming majority though it is done simply as a way to draw attention to themselves and entertain others. 

Assuming a fictional character. As any actor would do multiple times over a career.

In the west this is known as; "Dragging Up." Or a; "Drag Act."

A good example is the Irish/British TV show; "Mrs Brown's Boys."

This sees the male actor Brendan O'Carroll assume the identity of; "Mrs Agnes Brown." A foul-mouthed grandmother of a large family. Living in a working-class area of Dublin.

It is a gay-friendly show. With both gay cast members and gay characters. Certainly more than you'd expect to see on Irish TV.

However in real life Brendan O'Carroll married to Jennifer Gibney. Who plays "Cathy Brown." Mrs Brown's daughter in the show.

Brendan O'Carroll's son, from previous relationship, Danny O'Carroll plays the "Buster Brady" character. In the show he's constantly lusting after Cathy Brown. Played by his actual step-mother.

Danny O'Carroll is actually married to Amanda Woods. Who plays "Betty Brown," Mrs Brown's daughter-in-law on the show. 

So much of the comedy in show comes not from us believing that Mrs Brown is a woman. But from us knowing that it's a man in a dress.

Not that I'd recommend that anyone in Japan, or Asia, watch the 2014 movie adaptation. "Mrs Browns Boys Da Movie."

It sees Brendan O'Carroll assume the identity of an Asian Ninja. A portrayal that not only seems racially insensitive now. I'm pretty sure it would have seemed racially insensitive back in the 1970's.

Another good example would be Thomas Neuwirth. Who assumed the character of; "Conchita Wurst." In order to win the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.

In assuming the Conchita Wurst character Thomas Neuwirth chooses to keep his full beard. To make clear that this is not a man wanting to be mistaken for a woman. This is clearly a man in a dress.

Compare that with Sharon Cohen. The Israeli who won the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest.

Sharon Cohen is Transgender. Despite appearing more male at birth and being given the name Yaron Cohen. Sharon Cohen felt their female gender was a better fit for society.

Confirming that gender in 1993.

Of course Sharon Cohen then assumed the character of "Dana International." To entertain people and win the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest.

Something which itself allowed for a discussion about the differences between Transgenderism and Cross-Dressing.

Not only does this section of the Opening Ceremony allow for another such discussion. 

It also further underlines to the slower nations; New Zealand, Canada and America.

Who think that Transgender athletes are an ongoing discussion within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

Just how slow they are.

Fixating on a topic the Eurovision Song Contest got bored of discussing back in 1998. While the Japanese have been bored of discussing it since about 1650.

The section also serves as another stern, deserved rebuke to the US/UK. Over their attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

As has been something of a recurring theme of this Opening Ceremony. The US/UK seemed to believe that hijacking my relationship with Miley Cyrus would see them achieve all their objectives this year.

It was to be their big, bold move. That would so dazzle us all that we would immediately prostrate ourselves on the ground. In worship of our new Messiah, Joe Biden.

However, as was discussed during the section I entitled; "The Strength From Within."

Particulalry with the Catholic Messiah/Pope's visit to Iraq. In early March 2021.

Particularly with the Atlanta Spa Shootings. Which were carried out to coincide with alleged US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to both Japan and South Korea.

They were specifically trying to create an unprofessional workplace. By making it aggressively and overbearingly sexual.

The irony is.

That since the Olympics. I gave up on waiting around for the hijackers. So started talking to Miley Cyrus directly.

Until we were shutdown. By the massive Facebook/Instagram crash of October 2021.

A large part of the reason why we were shutdown. Is that they US/UK couldn't cope with how sexual it almost immediately got.

Needless to say. Someone with even just a basic understanding of the written Japanese language.

Can get pretty imaginative with emojis. 

Bringing up Kabuki's rather horny history. Should serve to remind the US/UK.

That while we don't think it's appropriate during a discussion about regional security policy.

Particularly during a discussion amongst young, female, Muslim members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF/QSD). As they're providing security for the Catholic Pope.

We have all had sex. It's not something that mystifies nor terrifies us.

Well. Not as much as it seems to mystify and terrify them.

Also Japan has a famously aging and shrinking population. The Japanese government even has the official term; "Genkai Shuraku" or; "Limited Village." 

To describe once thriving areas that are now disappearing. As the population ages and dies without any young people being born to take their place.

One of the most famous Genkai Shuraku is Aoshima. An island in Ehime Prefecture

When it was a thriving fishing island they introduced cats to control the rats. As the human population aged and died the cats began to outnumber the people.

There's now said to be something like 34 cats for each person on Aoshima. Leading to it being known globally as; "Cat Island."

In order for a country's population to remain stable women need to have an average of 2.1 children. The Population Replacement Rate.

Japan hasn't met that Replacement Rate since 1974. In 2005 Japan's Replacement Rate fell to 1.26. In 2021 the Replacement Rate fell to a record low of 1.1.

The reason for this is simply that Japanese people aren't having enough sex.

The reason for this, frequently given in surveys. Is that they're simply too tired. After dealing with the pressures of fitting into such a rigid and competitive society.

Suggesting that perhaps Japanese culture needs to relax a bit.

Or Izanagi and Izanami's fourth favourite child might not survive.

 

To be continued in Part 15.

21:10 on 9/12/21 (UK date).