Raamenchan

My life was changed several times today. I suppose that might be an exaggeration, but I think it happens to all of us. We usually just don’t realize those moments as they happen.

So first of all, I woke up at 8am, which for me is a great achievement when not working or going to school.

After that, the action started at 4pm in Shinbashi. Today’s meeting with Sugimoto-san turned out to be at Nippon Television. Thane was participating in a show that they were recording, so he, Sugimoto-san, and Nelson were all there for work. I was there because Sugimoto-san invited me to see how everything worked behind the scenes and just get some experience by watching.

Since Sugimoto-san was there from the morning, Nelson suggested that we get there a bit earlier so we could have some time to chat, and we did. Sugimoto-san did ask stylists if they would be willing to have me as an assistant, but pretty much all of them were worried about the visa issue I have. And unfortunately, stylists all pretty much work individually rather than as part of a large company, so no one could really sponsor my visa. So if I was to become an assistant stylist, then I would have to get the visa taken care of first.

But what worried Sugimoto-san more was whether or not I would be able to take the hardships of being an assistant stylist. Basically she said it would be 24/7 work with no rest and very little pay, if any at all. Basically it’s like going to school, but instead of paying money to learn, you spend your time to learn. On top of that, though, assistants are basically tools. They are always on standby, and pretty much are not allowed to say anything, laugh, or otherwise engage with others for fear of messing something up. Food is of course not provided, and the assistant is expected to find their own meals outside of work. Sugimoto-san expressed her concern that I might not be able to take that kind of environment, especially as someone who hadn’t grown up in Japan. Not to mention that being an assistant stylist pretty much would last about 3 years or so.

I told her that the hardship wouldn’t be a problem, because I would be doing what I loved, but the money would be an issue.  At the very least, I would need enough to cover expenses and otherwise survive. But, apparently the only way that would work is if it came out of my pocket. Because being on call 24/7 basically meant that there would be no time to work at a part time job, either.

Additionally, considering that I got the job at Phoenix Associates, I wouldn’t be able to quit the job anyways. If I did, that would mean putting Cecil’s reputation at jeopardy, which is something I will not do because of everything he’s done for me. So, Sugimoto-san and I left the topic at basically for me to find a job with a visa for the first year and just do some studying about being a stylist. During which time I would be more than welcome to continue following her around as she worked.

This made me think, though. Because if I was going to be on my own for the first year, then I might as well just make it all on my own. Later, that thought would lead to something more important.

After talking for awhile, Thane arrived and all three of us went to greet him. He’s a very friendly guy, and looks a lot cooler in person than on television. Afterwards, a worker from Nippon Television came and gave Thane a briefing about the show and asked about what he would talk about on the show. He talked about a couple things, got dressed in the suit that Sugimoto-san had prepared for him, and then we all went backstage for the recording. I saw quite a few famous people that I’ve seen on TV before, though I didn’t have the chance to talk to any of them.

The show then started, and I, Sugimoto-san, and Nelson all went to the back room to watch the entire recording, which took about two hours. It was a debate show, and though there were quite a few times I would have liked to jump in to say things, we all pretty much sat quitely until the end =D

During this time, though, I managed to think through some things about my own career. Today wasn’t much of a styling day for Sugimoto-san, but the fact that she did a little styling for Thane really got me thinking.

So let’s say I did find a way to cover my expenses and visa and get through three years of apprenticeship. Then what? Three years of hardship and then I would be able to become a stylist… but a stylist in what sense? I began to wonder why most stylists chose that particular career. Because for me, becoming a stylist is all about teaching style to people who don’t understand it yet want to learn. Or to help those who want to have style but don’t have the time to work with it. I want to share with others the joy I felt when I first realized that I could be stylish too!

And while being a celebrity stylist may be cool, it’s far far far from what my dream is. It will be my job to create and outfit, and then it will be the celebrity’s job to wear the outfit and go perform. It has little to do with sharing a passion with others.

So I’ve decided to take the stylist path on my own. That’s the best way to follow my dream. I’ll write a bit more on how I’m going to do that tomorrow. It’s getting late now, and I should sleep.

But, I also made a resolution today. And that is to thank at least one person in each blog entry that I right. That will help keep me grateful for all the things I have.

Thank you again to Nelson for giving me the opportunity to meet all these new people, taking me in as a stylist for your band, AND making business cards for me under your company name.

Thank you Sugimoto-san for helping me get started on my path as a stylist and giving me heaps of great advice and guidance.

Thank you Thane for letting me tag along with you today.

Thank you Sako-san for giving me even more inspiration to do things my own way (we had a long conversation after I got back home).

Thank you Mom, Hiroaki, Katie, Sally, and all the invisible non-commenters for following me on my blog and giving me encouragement.

Categorized as Storyline