Post by shupercousin on Jun 25, 2013 22:40:12 GMT -6
This is a thread for the coordination of paper streamers for SHIMMER events! This is the place to discuss how to obtain Japanese paper streamers, ways to properly roll and toss, and streamer etiquette in general. Below is some general info:
Where Can I Purchase Paper Streamers Used in Japan Puroresu Matches
It seems the only place that carries these authentic paper streamers are in Japan. Some of San Francisco's Japan Town bookstores may be willing to order it from Japan for U.S. consumers but with a big price tag. The joshifans group have been buying streamers from Japan with the help of our Japanese friends. I will be happy to take orders from folks here who want them, with the following conditions: 1) You commit to actually prepping the streamers yourself, meaning rolling and bundling, 2) you actually show up and throw the streamers, and 3) you coordinate all streamer throwing with other fans, this only looks good with a concerted and coordinated group effort.
How Do I Prepare The Streamers For Tossing
Simple Tutorial, pictures from Japanese blog, with my translations (http://www.geocities.jp/ajpwspk/kamite/kami.html):
STEP 1. Supplies - What you'll need: paper streamers, scissors, rolling tool, adhesive such as masking tape or glue stick (picture shows glue, I prefer masking tape)
STEP 2: Creating your rolling tool: Make it out of two toothpicks or BBQ skewers, depending on the length that'll give you most leverage and comfort. Tie two together and hold it together with tape, thread, rubber band, whatever that'll hold over time and use.
STEP 3 - Remove Streamer Core: Bend the streamer to separate the cardboard core from the paper streamers. Do it until you can remove the entire core. You'll find that the end of the streamer is glued to the core. Use your scissor to cut the streamer from the core.
STEP 4 - To Begin Rolling: Use your tool to grab onto the end of the streamer (start from the INSIDE of your streamer, NOT from the outside). Start rolling (either clock-wise or counter, it doesn't matter). Use your finger to keep the roll in place as you roll, periodically tighten to make sure your roll is tight and dense.
STEP 5 - Finish 1 Piece of Rolled Streamers: Each roll of streamer should be able to make 2-4 pieces of rolled streamers. Depending on the distance you are tossing, you may decide to make each piece bigger or smaller, accordingly. For the size of the Berwyn Eagles venue, you should probably stick to 3-4 pieces per roll. For 3 pieces, your piece of streamer should be about 37mm (about 1.5 inches) in diameter, if 4 pieces, should be about 28mm (a bit over 1 inch) in diameter. Don't sweat about being precise, but try to get them fairly close in size so that it's easier to bundle together.
STEP 6 - Finalize Streamer Piece: When you've gotten the size you need, cut the streamer. Then while holding your rolled piece, gently remove your rolling tool, while making sure you don't pull out all the streamers with it. You can then use a small piece of masking tape to home the lose end of the streamer down. If you don't hold the flap down, the whole piece can unravel and you'd have to re-roll it....!
ADVANCED STEP: The next step is optional, which shows how fans in Japan traditionally bundle several pieces of streamers together for ease of throwing (instead of throwing multiple small pieces separately)
STEP 7 - Bundling Part 1: Get a tray to help you contain the rolled pieces while you try to bundle them. This will help prevent them from rolling off the table and unraveling. Each row should have 4 pieces. I'll later post the color combinations for some of the joshi's who have been to SHIMMER. Get the right colors for your joshi wrestler. Remove your adhesive, and pull out a length of streamers maybe about 7-8 inches. Then do the same with the 2nd row, pull out a length of streamers that matches the 1st row. Your bundle should have 8-12 pieces. I usually do 8.
STEP 8 - Bundling Part 2: Tie up lose ends. You can tie it up at the end like the picture shows, or use tape, which is what I prefer.
STEP 9 - Bundling FINAL: Fold the streamer tail over the main bundle like how the picture shows. The picture shows the fan wrapping the bundle up in saran wrap for carrying / travel. I actually use paper strips to wrap up the bundle. The main thing is to hold the pieces together so that they don't fall apart before you throw them. Don't just put tape around the bundle because when you remove it all your streamers will get ripped apart...!
Here is also a video tutorial I made of how to roll your streamers:
Tossing Streamers:
- This fan site suggests that you toss the bundle with the tail facing your palm. But I find that throwing it with the tail on the back of your hand works too.
- Never throw streamers directly at the wrestlers. Bundle up these
things can hurt. Throw them high and aim for them to fly over the
wrestlers.
Other Misc. Info:
- Rolling streamers takes time. Once you make the tool and get used to the process, it goes faster and smoother. But remember, each wrestler you are rolling streamers for may theoretically have up to 4 matches during the SHIMMER weekend, so that's 1 bundle x 4, which is about 32 pieces per wrestler. Give your self ample time to prepare the streamers before the show.
Questions?