Hmm... What should I do for my next show?

Being able to bond with the audience during shows up to this point has been nice, but I kind of want to make this one a little more special...

Aren't there any good ideas out there...?

Oh...

Yeah, I can do something moon viewing themed!

It'll definitely feel special too since it's going to be so different from what I usually do♪

But as much as I want to start working on this idea, I really don't know much about moon viewings.

Hmm...
Maybe I should ask Minori and the girls about this.

There. Our moon viewing stream should be all set to go now...

Your ideas were so well-thought-out too, Shizuku. This is sure to become a fun stream.

Yeah, Shizuku, you did an amazing job!

Hehe. Thank you♪
I wouldn't have been able to do this without all your help.

<Hi, girls, do you have a minute?>

M-MEIKO?!

<Hehe. Sorry for the surprise visit. There's something I'd like to ask all of you.>

Ask us? Did something happen?

<Well...>

<So I was wondering if you girls could teach me what you know about moon viewings...>

I see. If that's the case, we'd be happy to help!

<Really?!>

Yes. We were just having a discussion about some moon viewing segments that we'll be doing.

It could even act as a mock rehearsal for us, so why don't you sit back and watch us for a little bit?

<Yes, I'd love to! Thank you.>

I'll start with an introduction...

<Great, thanks♪>

It's believed that moon viewings first gained prominence in Japan during the Heian period.

<The Heian era...
That's around when the Pillow Book was written, yes?>

Yes, exactly. And moon viewing originally began as an event that was celebrated by nobles.

These exclusive parties mostly involved drinking sake, reading poems and playing wind or string instruments while riding on special boats.

It started gaining popularity amongst commoners during the Edo period.

But by this time, it'd turned into a traditional farming ritual.

<Yes, I see. So the actual purpose of the event evolved as time passed.>

Yeah! What began as a series of events for celebrating the fall harvest became one really big party!

Hehe. It's so interesting how this all came about.

And it kept evolving too. Now, we celebrate by presenting offerings in the form of dango and pampas grass.

How we celebrate moon viewing today is actually a rather recent development.

<That's so intriguing! I've learned so much already!>

Also, rabbits are closely tied with moon viewings because of how they were portrayed in folk tales...

I believe that's about everything...

Do you think it'll help?

<Yes, I think so! Nobles, the harvest... I'm starting to get some good ideas already♪>

Really?! That's great!

<I'll try to work what I learned from you all today into my next show!>

<Thank you so much♪>

(Alright, how do I go about this show?)

(I could wear something much more Japanese and... Oh, I could even try working in some traditional Japanese dances into my dance routine♪)

So, MEIKO, have you decided what you wanna do for your show?

<Hehe. Well...>

<You'll just have to wait until then♪>

No...! Can you give us a tiny clue...?

<Hehe. I'll make sure to let you know when it'll be, so I hope you'll be able to come by and see it♪>

Great! I absolutely promise to go!

We'll be looking forward to it, MEIKO!