The Life and Musings of Kido Matsuko

Matsu and Kamatari's guide to love!

2006-08-12T02:50:20Z

Good day all, once more it has come to my attention that the citizens of our fair city have been having trouble. I could offer to take questions again, however that does not strike me as the correct approach. It appears that those of you who most need help are those least likely to ask for it.

Ikumatsu-san, please get on with it.

Patience, Kamatari-san, patience. As I was saying, instead of answering questions, I thought it would be better to simply provide the answers. Now, although Kamatari-san are vastly different in many ways, our approach to love is quite similar. Though... my taste in men is infinitely superior.

WHAT?!

The man you continue to pine over was a cruel, vicious, and altogether immoral.

Yeah? Well, the object of your obsession was a Meiji dog!

Ahem, well, though our specific tastes are quite different, our approaches are similar, which is why we are working together to bring this guide. Now, without further ado: Kido Matsuko and Honjou Kamatari's guide to love.

Rule number one: Loyalty. We cannot possibly stress this point enough. Once you have chosen someone, staying by their side is vital. This is not to say that the two of you are bound together forever, however while the relationship exists one should be as devoted as possible.

And if you've decided that the person you love is not just some fling, but "the one," then don't think that death gets you out of this. They may be gone, but that means it's all the more important for you to keep their memory in your heart.

Quite so, Kamatari-san. Those reading this would do to realize that there are many shades of loyalty. Fickleness is a terrible trait. A man or woman who flits carelessly flits from one lover to another is bound to get him or herself in trouble. Especially if the one you are in a relationship with has been led to believe that the two of you are committed to one another. If you do choose to take another lover, then honesty is the most important factor., along with understanding your priorities. Hiding a second (or third) relationship is dishonorable and wrong. Everyone should be taken care of.

This goes double for morons with more muscles than brains who are stealing my man!

That's very nice, Kamatari-san. Now, if we could kindly move on to the second half of navigating more than one relationship: priorities. There's nothing wrong with keeping a mistress, and she must be taken care of, but any man worth anything understands that his wife comes first. To put another partner ahead of her is dishonorable and will bring humiliation upon her. A mistress who attempts to turn a man against his wife is vulgar thing.

Yeah, you wouldn't believe the nerve of some people. They waltz in a seduce a man away from his loyal subordinate who's done nothing but follow and obey him. How is that fair?

As Kamatari-san says, everyone's emotions must be respected, or else pain is inevitable.

Now that we have examined relationships through one viewpoint, we must do the same for another. That brings us to another emotion that destroys so many relationships: jealousy. A jealous lover is a truly ugly thing. This emotion only serves to distance your lover from you. No one likes to feel untrusted. If your husband is out late, do not automatically assumes he is spending the time in a brothel. If your wife often goes out often, do not assume that there is another man. No relationship can survive without trust.

If the one you love is indeed in another relationship, understand that this a normal occurrence. A man having a mistress does not mean he is unsatisfied with you. There are many facets to a person's life. There is also the fact that men of certain station are expected to have mistresses. Anything else will look faulty.

The perfect arrangement is for a man's wife and his mistress to be friends. This works especially well, as that means a wife doesn't have to worry that her husband is being foolish or making trouble. She can trust her friend to take care of him.

Remember, jealousy will only alienate those you wish to bring closer. You should keep this in mind, Kamatari-san.

What the hell? I am not jealous. Young women? Fine. Young men who hate the meiji government and wish to tell the truth about its lies? Also fine. Worthless bastards who keep disgusting company? NOT FINE!

Ah, I see.

Well, we have now examined jealousy, and touched on the subject of giving your lover space and trust. This goes beyond romantic jealous. I cannot emphasize trust enough. Allow your loved one their life. Too much pressure and they will move away.

Think of your lover as a slippery object. The tighter you grasp, the harder it is to hold on to.

Very insightful, Kamatari-san.

And it brings up sexy images.

I'm sure.

Some of you may be saying "What about me, Matsuko-san? I have no companion." I shall be happy to help there as well.

The first step is to show an interest in their goals and dreams. Your support will be seen as a priceless gift.

Now, what I am about to say is quite controversial, however both Kamatari-san and I stand firmly beside it. Nothing says I love you more than illegal activity. The risks you take there say more about your devotion than words ever could.

It also shows commitment. Once you've broken the law, it proves you're in for the long haul.

It also introduces an excellent opportunity to bring the two you closer together.

Another helpful suggestion is that when you want to get closer to someone, don't wait for them to make the first move. Initiative is sexy! Be strong in romance!

Finally, remember that you can't go looking for love. Love will find you... whether you want it to or not.

OOC: Akesato icons

2006-07-19T04:57:39Z

Just two Akesato icons.

Both were made by dana_fields

Dear Matsuko

2006-07-14T03:51:43Z

Having noted the chaos and confusion that has been occurring lately, my player believes that the residents of meiji_restored would benefit from an advice column. My player decided that Honjou-san's advice might be... questionable at times, so I was asked to help. I will be happy to answer any and all questions, with topics ranging from fashion to love. Feel free to ask away.

(OOC: Go nuts!)

Knowing me, knowing you

2006-06-05T07:14:57Z

More!

+ What's your character's name? +
Kido Matsuko

+ How old is he? +
35

+ Is your OC a boy or girl? +
A woman

+ What's his/her race? +
Japanese.

> appearance <

+ If this character were to suddenly become part of the 3D world, and ended up in a heavily-populated area, how many stares would he/she get? +
Depends on where she appeared. In one of the hanamachi in gion? She probably wouldn't attract a whole lot of attention, although kimono aficionados and the like would likely notice something off about her clothing. Anywhere else? Yeah, people would stare.

+ Is your character considered normal in his/her own world? +
I think she may be the most normal character in the game.

+ What would be his most recognizable feature(s)? +
I wouldn't say that any one physical feature really stands out. The way she walks is very distinctive. She still walks like a geisha.

+ Would you consider your OC as attractive? +
Yeah, I think she's pretty. Not really my type though.

> personality <

+ Temper? +
No, not really. She's quite good at keeping calm. If she does not get angry, she's not likely to show it.

+ Does your character ever get depressed? +
Sigh, yep. I wish she would stop that.

+ Leader or Follower? +
Follower, though she's finally beginning to realize that dead men aren't very good at leading people. Not their fault. It's just a side effect of being dead.

+ What is the main aspect of their personality? +
Her grace, elegance, and poise. Er, is that three things?

> history <

+ Does your OC have a family of any sort? If so, are they still alive? +
She has quite a bit of family. There's her birth family, her geisha family, her adopted family, and her in-laws. She has no contact with her birth family, doesn't even know if any of them are alive. She knows the whereabouts of her geisha family, but doesn't really keep in touch. She has a pleasant but distant relationship with her adoptive family and her in-laws.

+ Has he encountered any traumatizing events? +
The war was... scarring, in a way, but I wouldn't call her traumatized. She got off pretty easy.

+ What was probably the best time in his life so far? +
Her marriage to Katsura.

> romance <

+ Single? +
A widow.

+ Has your OC developed any romantic relationships? +
Recently? Heavens no.

+ Virgin? +
She would tell that that line of questioning is vulgar. Besides, the fact that she was a married woman should be enough of an answer.

+ Does your character like flirting? +
Yes, as long as it's kept strictly innocent.

> symbolism <

+ What animal would you associate your OC with? (Sorry, no creatures of myth and legend allowed!) +
A cat. Graceful, regal, snobbish. Also, in the same way that many cats have a bit of leopard in them, a bit of lion, so Matsu has a spark of warrior inside her.

+ Musical Instrument? +
I'm tempted to say a shamisen, but I think I violin would also work very well.

+ Element? +

Going with the Japanese elements, I'd say wind. "It can be associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, wisdom, and electricity."

+ Planet? +
Venus, goddess of love and beauty.

> showing the Love <

+ Do you draw your character? +
Oh, god no. I can't draw at all. I think other people should draw her though.

+ Do you write about him? +
Not in fanfic. I really should.

+ Do you use him in any rpgs? +
....

+ What other ways have you appreciated your OC? +
Just watching and appreciating her.

> RANDOMIZE! <

+ Is your character wanted for anything? +
Not anymore. She would add that one government's treason is another government's heroism.

+ What are three weaknesses in him/her? +
Too passive, vain, can become very defeatist.

+ Strengths? +
Courage, loyalty, intelligence.

+ Does your OC drink or smoke (ect.)? +
Doesn't drink much anymore, but holds her liquor well. Geisha have to keep up with their customers, after all. She doesn't smoke. She finds the habit rather dirty.

+ What's one quirk about your him? +
Likes to confuse people she doesn't like by being very polite to them.

+ Does your character have any phobias? +
Not really. She defintely doesn't like fire. (The big kind)

+ What could you do to get him into a blind rage? +
"Blind rage" is really not part of her character. I guess killing or harming lots of innocent people, or the people that she cares for would bring her to something close to that.

+ Does your OC like chickens? +
She has nothing against them as animals, and quite likes them cooked.

> The Final Question <

+ What would you consider your relationship with your character to be like? +
In general, she's polite to me and I'm polite to her. There will be snark on occasion, however.

Sento Pateriku's day?

2006-03-18T03:29:37Z

It appears that today is a holiday than often involves, ah, intoxication. While I will not be joining in any such revelries myself, I found this little quiz to be somewhat interesting.

Microbrew

(66% dark & bitter, 0% working class, 33% genuine)

Microbrews, though obscure, are pretty tasty things, and they continually win beer contests. I, personally, have a hard time getting past the hype and the slight air of pretention that surrounds any discussion of "hoppiness," "5-star scales," and the like. But their non-working-classness notwithstanding, Microbrew is one of the best categories on this test: dignified, intelligent, rare.

Personality-wise, you have refined tastes (after all, mircobrews are usually kind of expensive), but you know how to savor what you get. Your personality isn't exactly light and bubbly, but very you're well-liked by your close circle of friends. Your sense of humor is most likely on the dark side, but that's just another way to say sophisticated, right? Just remember to act like a Pabst every once in a while, and you'll be perfect.

Cheers!!!

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 37% on dark

You scored higher than 0% on workingclass

You scored higher than 5% on genuine

Link: The If You Were A Beer Test written by gwendolynbooks on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Oh, and Honjou-san would also like to share her results.

Guinness

(100% dark & bitter, 66% working class, 100% genuine)

Okay, we all know Guinness is the best possible score on any "What Kind Of Beer Are You" test, so you can just go on and pat yourself on the back now. Like the world's most famous brew, you're genuine, you've got good taste, and you're sophisticated. What else can I say, except congratulations?

If your friends didn't score the same way, get ready for them to say: Guinness is too heavy; it's an acquired taste; it's too serious--and they probably think those things about you at times. But just brush 'em off. Everybody knows Guinness is the best. Cheers.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 82% on dark

You scored higher than 28% on workingclass

You scored higher than 67% on genuine

Link: The If You Were A Beer Test written by gwendolynbooks on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Really, Honjou-san, don't be so smug.

kido_matsuko @ 2006-02-09T22:39:00

2006-02-10T05:44:34Z

If I could please have everyone's attention, I would like to announce that I have moved. You may now find me at meiji_restored, where I can be found doing everything from drinking tea and enjoying polite conversation, to dealing with the aftermath from ninja attacks.

I do hope you will follow our story as closely as you have before.

How very peculiar

2006-01-24T00:46:44Z

Your PeaceMaker Kurogane Fate by Renyuki

Name

Choose a side

Your kendo teacher is

Takeda Kanryusei

But you prefer to spar with

Saitoh Hajime

And ___ likes to watch you

Yamazaki Ayumu

Chance that you'll survive the conflict: 29%

History will move on, and you

get tuberculosis from spending too much time with Okita-kun.

Quiz created with MemeGen!

Why is a Shinsengumi captain teaching me kendo? Am I spying on him? I don't think I would enjoy sparing with Fujita-san very much either. I've always tried to keep the number of my bones broken fairly minimal, and bruises would not be at all becoming. And if I was going to get tuberculosis, I don't think I would catch it from Okita-san.

Really this makes no sense at all.

OOC: Lovely ladies

2005-07-30T20:11:36Z

Inspired by Hitomi and Sakura, here's lovely looking Matsuko in western wear.

I made a Kamatari one, but it didn't turn out very well. I'll have to try again.

Mysterious little test.

2005-07-10T03:05:43Z

Your Love Style is Agape

You are a caring, kind, and selfless partner.

Unsurprisingly, your love style is the most rare.

You are willing to sacrifice your world for your sweetie.

Except it doesn't really feel like sacrifice to you.

For you, nothing feels better than giving to the one you love.

What's Your Love Style?

Yes, all very true. However, all that makes me out to be more amazing than I am. I fell in love, and did what had to be done, that's all.

Haiku

2005-06-22T08:54:43Z

I have recently decided that one of Matsu's hobbies is haiku. Therefore, I thought I would show some of the haiku "she" wrote. These may or may not show up in game.

Irises indoors
Are not as lovely as those
That lives in freedom

The nightingale cries
What can she be mourning for?
Is love so fleeting?

Cold moonlight tonight
The air is no longer warm
My cloak is pulled close

Alternate version:

Cold moonlight tonight
The air is no longer warm
I pull him closer

The river flows slow
Heat makes even it tired
I long for a breeze

The young camellias
Show me what innocence is
I tend them with care

(Yeah, I know, not all of them are all that good. I'm really unhappy with the river one.)

All I really need to know I learned during the Bakumatsu

2005-06-20T19:46:47Z

1. Never judge by appearances. That frail looking boy will kill you, and the giggly geisha will tell him where to go.

2. Rebellious men are sexy.

3. It's perfectly acceptable to drug your lover, as long as it's for his own good.

4. Guys named Yoshida are trouble. They just are.

5. Fire is not your friend.

6. Yes, of course, the turquoise clothes make them look silly. However, you shouldn't tell them that.

7. Foreigners are destructive and dangerous, but useful.

8. Having a lover that fights for the opposite side is hell on your emotions.

9. Always have a catchy slogan

10. Geisha know things.

11. The sad, sorry truth is all governments are full of corruption. You can't fix things completely, but you can make them better.

Any other thoughts?

(OOC: I actually don't thing the Shinsengumi uniforms look silly. I like them, but Matsu doesn't agree.)

Troubling developments

2005-05-29T17:07:36Z

(IC:) *looks at title* Well, that's one way to put it. All I can say is I am most upset with this turn of events. Don't expect me to take this lying down. *glares at a certain somebody* You know who you are.

View Poll: Next course of action

Not that I'm going to be doing any of this anyway. I don't need other people's advice on this subject.

Velda: Well, you're in a bad mood today.

Matsu: Wouldn't you be?

Veleda: Point. But, it makes for such good plot.

Matsu: Humph.

This should have been done a long time ago.

2005-03-26T10:03:13Z

(OOC:) Hey, I know I should have posted a bio for Matsu a while back, but real life's been hectic.

Kido Matsuko was known as Ikumatsu during the Bakumatsu. She was a Gion geiko, a spy, and lover to Katsura Kogoro.

It is well documented fact that Ikumatsu saved Katsura's life at least once. The most famous incident took place in August, 1864. The Shinsengumi staged a raid on Ikumatsu's place while Katsura was there. She argued with them, and blocked their way long enough for Katsura to escape. She helped him escape Kyoto after this, and they both fled to Choshu. It's logical to assume that all this was due to the Ikedaya and Hamaguri Gate incidents, the latter of which occurred in August, 1864.

There is also a story about her drugging Katsura's tea or sake in order to prevent him from going to the Ikedaya after she discovered there had been an information leak. I have no idea if this story is true, for I've only seen it on the internet, however I will be using it in game.

After the war Katsura had her adopted into a samurai family and married her. He changed his name to Kido Takayoshi, and Ikumatsu became Kido Matsuko.

Matsu has been historically described as spirited, graceful, and confident, and I will be playing her as such. I will play her as tough, intelligent, courageous, and perceptive, all very important attributes in a spy. She is also refined, serene, and charming, as a sucessful geiko would be.

Matsu is a very stable person. She knows who she is, what she believes, and pretty much where she is going. I think she provides a contrast to many of the other Himuragumi characters, who are filled with turmoil and doubt.

People she knows:

Himura Kenshin- She knows Kenshin from back during the Bakumatsu. She'll be very happy to see him again. Matsu has a sort of motherly affection for Kenshin, though it is tempered with guilt. She fully supported Katsura's decision to make Kenshin a hitokiri, and she realizes that she is partly responsible for his pain. Nevertheless, she cares for him very deeply, and wants the best for him.

Takasugi Shinsaku- Another Bakumatsu comrade. These two weren't close, but Matsu did like him. Takasugi was one of the few people who actually knew about Ikumatsu and Katsura's true relationship. Most people didn't know they were lovers. This was done to protect Ikumatsu, and keep her as an effective spy.

Yamazaki Ayumu- Matsu knows her by name, but not by face. She knows that she was Takasugi's lover, and a Shinsengumi spy, but not much else.

Saitou Hajime- These two would recognize each other, though maybe not on sight. Kizu, we should probably work their relationship out.

People in her household:

Historically, the Kido household held over twenty people. For the sake of simplicity, I am saying they all left when Takayoshi (Kogoro) died. Though, I may bring people in if I'm feeling bored, who knows?

The servants include, but are not limited to:

Sato Nanae- Bossy, stubborn, and sharp tongued, she's technically the cook, but has appointed herself Matsu's mother and concience among other things. Has a vast amount of useful information. In fact, she will tell you that she knows everything. She's exactly the kind of person you would want during a crisis, level headed and focused.

Fujii Raidon- One of Matsu's guards, Raidon is steadfast and loyal, and very dedicated to his employer. Both Raidon and Kane were Choshu retainers, who fought under Katsura during the Revolution.

Raidon has a deep secret. He is in love with Matsu. However, he has never given any hint of this, and nobody knows. Except maybe Nanae. She knows everything.

Tanaka Kane- Another of Matsu's guards. His personality is much the same as Raidon's though without the extra baggage of love.

Raidon and Kane caught Katsura's notice during the Bakumatsu, when they held off and defeated fifteen Shinsengumi, allowing many important Choshu figures to keep their lives. Luck was involved, and the terrain was in Raidon and Kane's favor, but Katsura was still quite impressed. Years later, he would approach them with a request to guard both his home, and what he cared for most. (Matsu) Because of this these two are very dedicated to "Kido-sama", and hold the memory of their sensei close to their hearts. (I like them. Don't you like them?)

Suzuki Keiko- Keiko is Matsu's personal servant, and a rather simple girl. Not really stupid, just uncomplicated. She began to work for Matsu when her family took ill and they needed the money for medicine. Sadly, in the end it did no good, and her family died. Now she lives in the Kido household. She's sixteen, and Matsu knows she should try and find Keiko a husband, but doesn't want to lose her as servant, seeing as Keiko is the only one Matsu trusts to do her hair, and take care of her clothes. Heh.

I do believe that that wraps it up. If you have any questions, or comments then feel free to, well, comment.

Just some posts to get us started.

2005-03-02T06:02:42Z

1878- Morning

I wake up early, with the sun only beginning its descent to the sky. However, instead of getting up, I simply lie in bed. After all, I have nowhere to be. After a while, however, I become bored, and rise from my futon.

“Keiko, come here!” I call for my attendant. I’ve set her room up right next to mine, so that I may send for her at any time. She’s the only one I trust to dress me. She could work in a teahouse with geisha her skill is so high.

“Coming Kido-sama!” I hear the sound of hurried footsteps, stopping outside my door. Keiko opens the shoji, bowing low. I nod at her, and then sit down in the chair in front of my western style dressing table. Without a word Keiko picks up a brush and starts to comb my hair. This is our routine; there is no need for orders or questions. She selects simple yet elegant hair ornaments that go with the kimono I have picked out for today. They are beautiful, but understated, fitting for a wealthy widow.

After working with my hair she helps me put on my kimono. Strictly speaking, I do not need help with this, but I like feeling it gives me. I admit that my years as a geiko have made me a bit spoiled with things like this. The kimono is a gentle lavender, with white embroidered camellias, and a pale green obi.

For the final step I sit down again, and Keiko applies my makeup. No longer do I use the heavy face paint of a maiko or geiko. Now I use simple western makeup. I find that it
accentuates the features without being flashy.

The whole ritual gives me a feeling of calm. The process is simple and orderly, lacking the frenzy that has so long dominated my life.

Now properly attired, I feel ready to face the world.

1878- Evening

I move quickly through the streets, my steps swift and surreptitious. It would have been easier to travel by carriage, but I don’t want to call attention to myself. Any sort of scandal is the last thing I need. Besides, my destination is not to far away.

I stop outside the gates of Yoshiwara, and take a slow breath. I don’t fully understand why I am here. What am I looking for? I can not answer.

Despite my doubts, I step through the gate, and into the Flower and Willow world of Tokyo.

The first thing that hits me is a wave of nostalgia. For a moment I can see Gion of old, with its glitz and glamour, beckoning to me. Then the feeling passes, and I see that Yoshiwara is, in fact, very different from Gion. The colors, the sites, the people, none of them are in any way familiar.

But ahh, the feeling, the emotion, that is the same. In some ways the Flower and Willow world is the identical wherever you go. There is a sense of wonder here that exists nowhere else.

People stop and stare at me, not in awe, but puzzlement. “What” They wonder, “is a married woman doing here alone?” I do not let their looks bother me. I am used to having eyes on me. The manner makes very little difference.

I watch the people move about. I see men trying to lose themselves in the pleasure and gaiety which will only be theirs for a short while. Women laugh and gossip, on their way to this party or that.

I let out a little sigh. I should get back home. The servants are probably wondering where I am. Yes, home is where I belong, certainly not here.

I turn around I walk back, my steps brisk and certain. No one stops me on my way out, as I am clearly not a geisha.