This time, I wore the Kitauji High School summer uniform. The size S fit me just right, with the 37cm shoulder width providing good structure for the sailor collar silhouette. However, the skirt was a little on the loose side and kept slipping down slightly as I walked, requiring quick adjustments between shots. Styled with a semi-translucent pink neckerchief, a black school shoulder bag, knee-high White stockings, and black chunky-soled loafers, the overall look remained crisp, refreshing, and true to the series.
The summer sun in Uji was fiercely intense. While the ambient light during the outdoor shoot was clear and luminous, wearing stockings and a school uniform under the high heat made me sweat after just a short walk. Touching up my makeup and smoothing flyaway strands of the wig became a continuous routine to keep everything fresh and voluminous. Passing by a vending machine, we stopped to grab cold drinks, seizing the opportunity to take a few snaps in the machine's shade—I truly love that touch of casual everyday realism in the frame.
At midday, I rested on a park bench. Sitting down allowed the skirt hem to drape naturally, while the crisp contrast between the white socks and black loafers looked fantastic on camera. As I adjusted the skirt and neckerchief, a gentle breeze swept through, bringing a moment of cool relief. Even though the loose skirt demanded extra caution to keep the pose modest while seated, the resulting lines, light, and shadow made the hassle completely worthwhile.
The most comforting moment of an Uji summer was undoubtedly treating myself to matcha soft-serve ice cream and matcha shaved ice; the icy sweetness chased away the sweltering heat in an instant. Afterward, we hiked up Mount Daikichi to gaze out over Uji's panoramic landscape—the vermilion bridges, the emerald river, and the distant streets laid out below were thoroughly refreshing. Standing at the observation railing with the wind in my hair, I felt completely relaxed, deeply resonating with Kumiko's spirit: a touch of youthful melancholy intertwined with quiet resilience.
The success of an outdoor shoot relies on coordinating light, shadow, and location—whether capturing shots by riverside railings, scarlet bridges, or spontaneous moments in front of vending machines, we preserved the authentic atmosphere of the surroundings as much as possible. It was a wonderful shoot, and braving the intense heat yielded a vibrant set filled with the breath of summer that I'm truly proud of.