Store Opening Party or Halloween?

Our good friend, Akko, recently opened her own pet grooming shop in Nagoya. She's always had the dream of owning her own business - and while her ultimate dream is to open a Japanese restaurant in the U.S. - she's currently settling for her own pet shop here in Japan.

While she specializes in pet grooming, she also sells a variety of pet supplies - dog/cat food, pet clothes, toys, etc. It's a very cute shop!

Anyway, we were invited to the grand opening party, which included only family and close friends. There were several Japanese and Western style appetizers, as well as a variety of drinks. We sat around chatting, eating and drinking.

We learned that it's customary to give a plant (usually huge orchid plants) for a store opening event.

One of the orchid plants that Akko received.

After full bellies and several drinks, Miyoko brought out a bag full of random hats and masks. Everyone was quite excited about this, and took turns putting them on and posing for pictures. I don't know if this is a Japanese custom... or if we just have a silly group of friends...!? :)

Everyone loved dressing up!

I don't know if the night got even more silly or possibly a tad bit serious when the gun came out! Miyoko brought out the photos from her trip to the U.S., (specifically the ones where she was holding a gun) and that prompted her brother to bring out a 250-year old Japanese gun. He enjoyed showing Joe the gun and having him hold & pose with it.

Joe & Miyoko's husband, Kyoshi

 A fun night with great friends!!