28.

considered an extra big girl, but in Japan the average girl is between 4'8" and 5'2", consequently all ready made dresses are extra small sizes. This really applies to all clothing and shoes. However, custom dressmaking is a flowering art in Japan and labor and materials are very inexpensive.

So we began. Chieko knew a very good Mama-san friend who could be trusted with our secret. She in turn knew someone who worked in the PX and could get us the necessary undergarments, made in America. Soon I had 5 bras, 3 diff- erent girdles including an all-in-one. A half dozen slips nylon stockings and an assortment of American Cosmetics (which on the Japanese market were very scarce and expensive.) Then there was the problem of the wig. I was told that for 10,000 yen ($180) I could have a brown wig made exactly to my head. The next weekend we went to Kokura, the second largest city on the island, and I spent most of the weekend getting measured and fitted. The old gentleman said the wig would take two weeks. That was alright because at the same time our seamstress had taken all my measurements and was making a dozen different creations for me. At this point may I state that at the age of 20 my measurements were as follows: Height 5'9", weight 130#, dress size 12, shoe size 8 and vital statistics 36-26-37 (with waist nip- ped and some padding in the derriere and hips.)

In a few weeks everything was ready. I took a 3-day. pass and nervously began the transformation. Cheiko, the seamstress Mama-san, and myself were present in the apart- ment when I started. Everyone was serious and anxious to see what would happen. I have been a TV for as long as I can remember and have always been able to pass for what I seemed to be. They were amazed at the way I put on the underclothing and nylons. Chieko said, "You really knowW how to be a girl-san don't you, 惶 I smiled and felt more confidant. After dressing (and the dress fitted like a glove, it was a cotton sheath and very becoming) I picked up the wig and set it in place and began to use the cosmet- ios. Just two hours after starting I was a beautiful young lady, dressed to perfection and ready to step out.