9 September 2009

Emily had been selected to attend an audition for Combi, a big Japanese childrens clothing and products company. We met the agency rep at the station nearby and she escorted us a few blocks to the casting venue, which was in a few pokey rooms in a narrow back street apartment block. I was amazed by how many other children were there; in fact, half the foreign kids in Tokyo seemed to be in the area, and the small rooms were crammed with hopeful candidates, from babies to school age, and their parents. Not unexpectedly, Emily was rather peturbed by such a chaotic place full of strangers; hardly the right approach to get the best out of nervous children. A few toys helped to calm her down, but as soon as she had to be measured for foot size and height she cried. We were ushered into the next little room where we changed her into a Combi outfit. I think they were pyjamas (well, I certainly wouldn't take her out in public dressed in them) and the colour was a terrible clash with her hair and skin. Thankfully we didn't have to wait long, and we watched the boy before us so I tried to explain to her what was happening. They had made a cross on the floor where she was to stand, but as soon as I took the toy she was clutching away from her she moved towards me. I repositioned her and I think she managed to stay on the cross for just long enough for a few quick shots, and then they said we were finished. Since she didn't get anywhere near as long as the boy I can only assume that they didn't think she was up to the job, but we'll see. At least they slipped us enough yen to cover our train fare and coffee and cake afterwards. To be honest, I am sort of hoping she doesn't get the job anyway, as it was all very stressful for us both and a prolonged session wouldn't be much fun, albeit lucrative.