お雛様　－　Ohinasama

It's Tesla's very own ohinasama for Girl's Day. At first, when my mom told me she wanted to get this for Tesla, I balked because the set is not cheap, and I felt it would be out of place here. But I'm glad my mom convinced me because it does feel special. It's usually set up for around March 3rd, but since we will be away all of March, I decided to put it up immediately so we could enjoy it this year. Obviously Tesla doesn't get it now, but it's so beautiful and I'm happy she will grow up with it. I am proud to be able to show this to friends as part of my culture (although Dav isn't quite sure what to make of it, since the only thing in his mind close to this is as if I were setting up a nativity scene...not at all similar!).

My grandmother sent me my set when we were living in Essex, CT. It was the full-blown 7 level one. I remember loving playing with the dolls and all the detailed dishes and boxes that came with it. But over the years and moving back to Japan, it broke. So my mom wanted to get a new one for T. The new trend - since most houses are small and families want to be practical - is to buy a small set with just the emperor and empress. I do prefer the small size and there are still enough details to make it pretty magnificent.