Miyabi has a 26th birthday. Last year we wrote to you:
“Dear guests of Miyabi! Friends!
When I opened Miyabi in 1995, cloth carp fluttered from the balcony as they do now. It was May 5. “
I am sending you the same greeting today, because a year has passed and we have May 5 again. I have let the carp fly all through the year to add Miyabi and you strength, courage, health and family cohesion, exactly as the Koinobori carp should symbolically do. Their color is no longer as bright as when they were new last year, but Miyabi restaurant could at least be seen well thanks to the carp.
In fact, it should be so – to be seen, because koinobori are to be seen above us in the sky. They are to proclaim to the world that we are, that we live, and will survive. Also, that we are happy and enjoy swimming. Similarly, as it is sung in a song which every child in Japan knows:
yane yori takai koinobori
magkii magoi wa otōsan
chiisai higoi wa kodomo-tachi
omoshirosō ni oyoideru
Try to translate the verses if you like. I’m trying. First word to word and then freely:
Higher than the roof (yane yori takai), they fly. Rising in the air. The fabric carp (koinobori). The big guy (ókii magoi) is the dad (wa otósan) The small fish (chiisai higoi), these are the children (wa kodomotachi). All flutter beautifully (omoshirosó ni) while swiming (oyoideru). Happily. For fun. And everyone around admires them (once again – omoshirosó ni).
The windsocks are cheerfully shouting: it’s children’s holiday! Carp dad, carp mom and kids carp. Racing with the wind, free and full of strength. Join! Rejoice! World feasters!
Higher than the roof-tops are the koinobori
The large carp is the father
The smaller carp are the children
They seem to be having fun swimming. (the Wikipedia translation)
I hope nothing was lost in the translation. Especially I care about the term “omoshirosó ni”, because that’s what is very important to me and Miyabi’s anniversary. To make you understand, the word “omoshiroi” is an adjective and means “interesting”. The adverb “omoshirosó ni” is created from it, and this is where my dilemma begins, because the meaning extends to the subject as well as its observers, and you can choose to whom you give more weight. In Japanese, such blurring and grammar loosening is typical. The listener has to think and maybe even install his own version, which best matches the feelings and situations that are being created around. That is why I have “omoshirosó ni” twice in the first translation. Why I am interested particularly in the „omoshirosó ni“? Considering to describe my twenty-six-year efforts for Miyabi, including the covid year, I wonder if I would choose the term “omoshirosó ni”? My answer is yes, but the question is whether you see it the same way. If so, then the Miyabi project is a success. Thanks to you too! I appreciate so much!
So, congratulations to all of us on the anniversary. Join! Rejoice! World feasters! Omoshiroi ryóri wo omoshiroi Miyabi de omoshirosó ni itadakimashó! (ryóri means food and itadakimashó means let us eat) So that everyone can see!
Let us enjoy! For our birthday celebration, just like last year, I offer you our original sakura sushi cake. Mini nice cake. To indulge in a toast, there will be a sparkling sake called Hana Fugu Yuzu on the counter by the window, almost for our purchase price. Small bottles so we don’t get drunk. As wagashi we will have Miyabi Mibimochi. I remember that for some years we offered on Miyabi’s birthday our original nigiri sushi awarded in Japan – Prague nigiri with tuna marinated in black beer. This will be on the popular 1 + 1 offer. Seeking the blessings from the Japanese god Oinari, we will also add oinari sushi with hijiki, renkon and gari. Oinari – oinori. One letter changes and the rice bags turn into a word for prayer. Oinori. Hereby I pray so that Miyabi will continue to serve and bring you joy. We will try our best! Ganbarimasu!
Finally, let me also thank my Japanese friends, who have been watching and encouraging Miyabi all these years. In the photo which I’m attaching are two ladies in blue kimonos. Mrs. Óno and Mrs. Ói. Their friendship is a particularly great reinforcement for me. As you can see, we are standing in front of Miyabi. And even though it’s been a few years since, everyone in the picture is still keeping their fingers crossed for all of us.
Yours, Miyabi Darja
