So... we took these pictures at the Imperial Hotel in Japan.  They have a very good photo studio!  I am standing at the lobby in front of a world map...

It is still incredible to think, they have managed to do my hair in a Japanese style.  Can you imagine, I had a very short hair cut at this time!!!
So this is a special family picture!  I am wearing the most beautiful kimono, which was given by my father for my 20th birthday (this is the second time I wore it though).  But watch out the belt ("obi")!!!  This is something special.....
It was given by a friend of our family, Mrs Samejima, who wore this belt when she got married 50 years ago or so.  Her grandfather is a very well known man, who has built the economic base of Japan - Mr Eiichi Shibusawa.  This belt has a very beautiful "stiches" (imagine, how long it took them to do this!) of peacocks and roses....  an incredible piece of art, indeed!  Everyone in the hotel was so impressed.  Apparently you cannot get this kind of belt any more in Japan.  Well, the tradition will live forever though  :)))))
This is what I wore under the kimono.  It is the first layer, I would say.  It is pretty isn't it?
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