It was my uncle's recommendation that brought me to Rogetsu Isle. At first I was quite apprehensive, but both the islanders and the infirmary staff have shown me such kindness, helping me to settle in to my new job and my new life here. I appreciate now what good advice my uncle gave me.
I feel so lucky to be here.
It turns out that this is the year of the Rogetsu Kagura, an important island festival that's only held once a decade.
At the center of this Kagura is a woman called a "Vessel," who performs a dance as an offering to the gods. I was very surprised when the islanders asked me, an outsider, to take the role of the Vessel!
They explained that the Vessel should be a woman around my age, beautiful and impressionable. When they put it like that, how could I possibly refuse? It's such an honor to be allowed to take part in an ancient island tradition. This will be an excellent opportunity for me to express my gratitude to Rogetsu Isle for all the happiness it has brought me. I'm truly thrilled.
Before the festival, I have to take part in a purification ceremony where I bond with the Vessel mask worn during the Kagura.
Hearing about this made me a little more nervous than I was when I accepted the role. I hope it all goes to plan...
Tsubaki Tono's Diary
Tsubaki Tono's Diary | |
| |
| Kanji | 遠野 椿の日記 とおの つばき の にっき |
| Game | Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse |
| Author | Tsubaki Tono |
| Chapter | Phase VII: Tranquility |
| Located at | Haibara Infirmary backyard |
| Obtained | Behind the gravestones |
| Description | Diary talking about becoming the Vessel. |
| Additional Description | Found a diary. |
| Related Notes | 3F Nurse's Logbook |
叔父の薦めで、この島に来る事になった。
初めは怖かったけど、
今はとても感謝してる。
病院の人も島の人達もみな親切で、
色々な事を私に教えてくれる。
なんでも今年は、十年に一度行われる
「朧月神楽」という祭事がある年らしい。
「うつわ」という役の女性が踊り手となって、
神様に舞を捧げるお神楽らしいんだけど、
その「うつわ」の役に、
島の人が私を推薦してくれたと
聞いて少し驚いた。
それでも、「うつわ」役には
感性が豊かで美しく、歳も私くらいの
人がちょうどいいと説明されたので、
引き受けることにした。
⋯島に古くから伝わる祭りに
参加できる事はとても名誉な事だし、
何より日ごろ良くしてもらっている
感謝を伝える良い機会だと思う。
これから禊として、仮面と向き合う
修行があるらしい。
私に役が務まればいいけど⋯
Additional Information
Tsubaki assumes that, like virtually all other kagura, the shrine maiden's dance is for the gods, or kami-sama (神様). Strictly speaking, there are no specific kami in the belief system of Rogetsu Isle[1]. However, the dead, especially great ancestors, are sometimes regarded as kami, as well, so arguably she's not entirely mistaken. This line is likely intended to highlight her naivete and that Shigeto Haibara regards the current kagura as little more than a tourist spectacle.