After dinner and a chance to socialize, the guests are informed that a special event will take place in the Ikeda family’s garden.<br/><br/>Colored paper lanterns are strung between the trees that surround the garden, providing a lovely but slightly eerie light that makes it difficult to see anyone clearly. The gentle drifts of cherry blossom petals which float through the air make visibility even more uncertain. Polite low conversation flows between the guests as they speculate about what Ikeda Tanekasama has planned. Finally the aged daimyo speaks in a soft, rumbling voice.<br/><br/>“Friends, family, honoured guests, welcome to my home.” he says with a warm smile. “It has been far too long since my home has had so many guests. Tonight, I would like to invite you all to view the lovely blossoms in my garden, and to honor them and our ancestors with the telling of tales. Our Clan has always placed great value on stories and tales, through which we remember the deeds of the blessed ancestors.”<br/><br/>“To thank you for your attendance at my humble home, I wish to make this a small contest. The teller of the best tale will receive from me this fine lantern, brought for the occasion by young Kitsu Mokuna-san. It is said to protect the house which displays it from evil spirits.” After an appreciative murmur, he continues. “In honor of the lady Otomo Hisayo, who shall wed my son in two days’ time, I would ask her to choose the topic for this evening’s stories, and to tell the first tale. ”<br/><br/>The young Imperial bows graciously, acknowledging this honor. She turns to the rest of you, her eyes modestly lowered. “I am but a young girl of limited skills, and I fear my tale will be a disappointment. I humbly ask that we tell stories of ghosts, which have always fascinated me.” There is a slight murmur of surprise through the crowd as she begins.