My neighbor is 78, she lives alone. A kind and quiet woman. I noticed that a young man started coming to see her. It would have been nothing, but after he came I would hear screaming. I started to worry, so one day I knocked on the door. They’re quiet. And then the door opens and there’s this old lady wearing…
…a long, flowing kimono with a bright floral pattern. The fabric shimmered in the afternoon sun, and, as surprised as I was to see her dressed that way, what struck me more was the radiant smile on her face.
I stammered, “Oh, hello, ma’am. I, uh, I just wanted to check on you. I heard…” My voice trailed off. She looked at me kindly and said, “The screaming, right?” I nodded, feeling a little awkward for having jumped to the worst conclusion. She stepped aside and invited me in.
I had never been inside her home. The living room was small but cozy, filled with an assortment of items that reflected a long, eventful life—old photos, porcelain figurines, and books on history and culture. The young man I’d seen earlier stood in the corner, his posture tense. I wondered if he might be related to her somehow—perhaps a grandson? But before I could form a complete thought, she introduced herself.
“My name is Kiyoko,” she said, bowing slightly, as one does in formal Japanese introductions. “And this is Vincent.” The young man gave me a respectful nod. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, with dark hair tied back in a short ponytail and a kind expression that suggested he meant no harm. Despite my relief that there didn’t appear to be any immediate danger, I couldn’t shake the memory of those screams.
Kiyoko led me to a small couch and gestured for me to sit. She took a seat opposite me in an armchair, smoothing the folds of her kimono with delicate, practiced hands. “I must apologize,” she began. “I imagine the sounds you heard were…alarming. You see, Vincent here is helping me with something very important to me.”
Vincent cleared his throat. “We’re practicing scenes from traditional Japanese theater—kabuki, specifically. I’m studying it for my drama degree at the local university, and Ms. Kiyoko kindly offered to help me. She has such a passion for the old ways and always wanted to try something new in her later years. We rehearse lines, and kabuki can get very dramatic—lots of shouting, especially in battle scenes.”
I glanced at Kiyoko in astonishment. “Kabuki? That explains the outfits and the screams,” I said, feeling a wave of relief. “I’m sorry for interrupting.”
“It’s quite all right,” Kiyoko replied, her gentle voice carrying a tone of understanding. “I’m aware it sounds like someone’s in distress. But I assure you, it’s all in good fun—just part of the performance.”
I looked around and noticed a few more items: a neatly folded kimono on a side table, a collection of Japanese masks, and scripts marked with highlighter and notes. My eyes drifted back to Kiyoko. “So…you’re really getting into it?” I asked. She nodded enthusiastically, smiling from ear to ear.
“It’s never too late to try something new,” she said. “I grew up in a very traditional family, and I was always curious about performing arts. But life went by in a flash—getting married, raising children, losing loved ones, and eventually living on my own. Then I met Vincent at the local community center, and he mentioned his class needed someone fluent in Japanese to help with authentic kabuki dialogue. Before I knew it, I was volunteering.”
Vincent piped in, “And she’s a natural. Her ability to capture the emotion in these dramatic scenes is incredible. Plus, she’s teaching me more about Japanese culture than I could ever learn in a textbook.”
I felt a bit sheepish for having assumed the worst, but mostly I was moved. This quiet, 78-year-old neighbor of mine was living a secret theatrical life right next door—and not just any theatrical life, but a boisterous, colorful, larger-than-life kabuki production.
Before I left, Kiyoko invited me to stay for a short rehearsal so I could see exactly what they were working on. As they took their places, I watched Vincent recite a spirited monologue, complete with exaggerated gestures and voice modulations. Then it was Kiyoko’s turn. She rose from her chair, holding a fan in her right hand, and delivered her lines with surprising force—shouting, gasping, and even stomping on the floor for emphasis. It was a bit jarring, but I could see the artistry. The passion in her voice was unmistakable, and the wrinkles around her eyes deepened as she spoke, giving her face a regal, noble look. When she finished, I found myself applauding without thinking.
She giggled like a schoolgirl, clearly pleased. “You see? All harmless, I promise.”
I took my leave soon after, promising them that I’d never again jump to conclusions if I heard any loud rehearsals. Over the next few weeks, I occasionally caught glimpses of Vincent coming and going from Kiyoko’s place. Sometimes I heard faint shouts through the walls, but now they only made me smile. I even told a few close friends the real story—how my 78-year-old neighbor was learning kabuki to try something new. Nobody believed me at first, but I assured them it was all true.
A month later, a small neighborhood event was announced at the community center—a cultural fair. Different booths would celebrate international foods, crafts, and traditions. I saw Kiyoko’s name listed under “Japanese Theater Demo” and couldn’t resist the urge to go. When the day arrived, the center was bustling with families, couples, and curious individuals checking out the displays.
I found the makeshift stage in the gymnasium where Kiyoko and Vincent were setting up. She wore a stunning red and gold kimono this time, her hair done up in an intricate style with decorative pins. The transformation was astonishing. Vincent was dressed in traditional male kabuki attire, complete with a headpiece that made him look like an ancient warrior.
Their performance started with soft, haunting music. Kiyoko stepped forward and recited lines in Japanese, her voice soaring. Vincent joined in with calls and responses, and together they told a captivating story of love, bravery, and loss. To my surprise, several people in the small audience teared up. I, too, felt chills. It wasn’t just the artistry; it was the commitment, the raw passion, and the sense that Kiyoko was living a dream she’d once buried.
After the applause died down, she bowed deeply to the audience. As she straightened, I could see tears shining in her eyes. She spoke in English, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m 78 years old. Many people think that after a certain age, life’s exciting moments are over. But I want everyone to know that it’s never too late to pursue something that brings you joy. Maybe it’s learning a new skill, maybe it’s rekindling an old passion, or maybe it’s just discovering a hidden part of yourself. I’ve found that passion through kabuki theater, and I’m so grateful.”
People erupted in cheers and claps. I felt a swell of pride for her. She had taken a bold step outside her comfort zone, and she shone for it.
After the performance, I approached her to congratulate her. She grasped my hands with surprising strength, tears still in her eyes but a wide smile on her face. “Thank you for coming,” she said softly. “I hope I didn’t scare you too much at first with all the screaming.”
“Scared me, yes,” I laughed, “but now I’m just inspired. You’ve shown me something beautiful—that you can always try something new, no matter your age.”
She nodded. “I really believe that.”
Sometimes, our worries and assumptions lead us astray, and we let fear shape our understanding of a situation. However, it’s crucial to remember that there’s often a world of possibilities behind every closed door. Kiyoko’s story is a simple reminder that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to adventure. Whether we’re 28 or 78, we can follow our passions, share our talents, and live life on our own terms.
As I walked away from the community center that day, I felt lighter—like I’d just witnessed a little piece of magic in my own neighborhood. And I realized that maybe it was time for me to try something I’d been putting off, too. Kiyoko taught me that there’s no expiration date on enthusiasm, courage, or the ability to grow.
If you enjoyed this story and feel inspired by Kiyoko’s brave journey, please share it with your friends and loved ones. You never know who might need a little nudge to explore new possibilities, no matter where they are in life. If it touched your heart, give it a like to show your support. Let’s celebrate the spirit of adventure at every stage of life!
