"We've been together for 60 years, so I'm prepared for it..."



After his death, the woman began to shut herself up at home.

I watched TV by myself and kept a diary.

What changed those days was walking the runway.

(Hiroshima Bureau Photographer Maika Ishikawa)

【Video】The runway I aimed for with my grandson The road

The feature is summarized in a short video.

The episode of Grandma and Grandson will be introduced in the text below.

All models are over 65 years old

Last month, a fashion show was held in Hiroshima.

All the models walking the runway are over 65 years old.

It was organized by Higashihiroshima City.

The purpose is to create a sense of purpose in life, and the following voices were heard from the participants.

"I'm so excited, I'm so young," "

I'm so emotional, I'm so happy right now," among

them, there was a woman who participated in this show with a special feeling.

After my husband died...

Michiko Eto is 84 years old.

Two and a half years ago, I lost my husband, Masaaki.

They have been married for 60 years.

Masaaki was an important talking partner for Michiko, who loves to talk to people.

After Masaaki's death, Michiko became more obsessive and less likely to go outside.

I spend my days watching TV and writing in my journal.

There were times when I would talk to a stuffed animal by myself.

Michiko:
"We were together for 60 years and 3 months, and even though I was prepared, I still feel lonely when I don't have anyone to talk to."

Why don't you go out and do it?

There was a person who saw such a figure.

This is my grandson, Yuumi.

I was worried about my grandmother, who was not in good spirits.

Grandma, who used to be more lively.

Anyway, he thought that there had to be some kind of stimulation.

Grandson Hiromi
: "My grandmother, who was moving very fast, started to care about various things, and I thought that this was a little bad."

Hiromi found a fashion show sponsored by Higashihiroshima City.

Models over the age of 65 walk the runway dressed in whatever outfit they want.

I proposed it to Michiko.

However, "no,
no
" was

not the other party at first.

But Hiromi didn't give up.

"I can't say no anymore because I'm already asking," I said, taking

her out to a walking lesson for the show.

Practicing with my grandchildren

"Walk like this, then turn like this" "It's okay if you look up" "Yes, smile, start"



I started practicing with Hiromi, who walked the runway with me in a support role.

Michiko was confused at first, but gradually got used to it.

During the lessons, I enjoyed chatting with other participants.

"I haven't had much to do with people lately, but I had a lot of fun today, really," Michiko

said, her feelings gradually becoming more positive.

I want to be a different person.

I've come to think so.

I want to wear a dress.

Michiko, who used to work at a kimono shop, initially thought of making a "kimono" for the actual costume.

However, it was the "dress" that women of the same generation were choosing.

When I saw it, I wanted to try it on myself.

Michiko:
"By the time we got married, there weren't many people who wore dresses.

Michiko has never insisted on what she wants to do.

This is my first attempt.

Mr. Masaaki, are you watching?

And then came the day of the actual event.

With about 200 spectators watching, Michiko will conclude the show.

The outfit I chose was a white dress.

I feel like a bride.

I wanted to show it to my husband, Masaaki.

With the support of Hiromi, I walked the 8-meter runway with aplomb.

Michiko:
"I was relieved, and I am grateful that it was a good commemoration. If I had a dress at a wedding back then, I would have worn a white dress. I'm sure he's watching."

Michiko made her debut on the runway in her own way and her smile returned.

If there is a fashion show in the future, I would like to participate again in a different outfit.

I will continue to walk the runway of my life.