Michiko Fujiwara's Tales of Color: Part 1, June - The Blue of Dawn

June 2008: The Blue of Dawn

I’m starting a new series for OPENERS about the world of color. For me, as a hair and makeup artist, color is incredibly important.
I’ve always worked with color in a delicate way, discerning the subtlest nuances. Because of this, I have many personal thoughts and feelings about color. I’m very much looking forward to sharing them with you here on OPENERS.

For this first installment, as summer approaches… why not try waking up a little earlier tomorrow? Earlier than usual.

Text byMichiko Fujiwaraphoto by Jamandfix

The Blue of Dawn

In my twenties, I saw a film called ‘Diva’ and was deeply moved by something in it.
It was the atmosphere during a scene where the protagonist, a young postal worker, and his diva, an opera singer, were strolling through a park in the early morning. The sheer beauty of the “blue” – so clear and fresh. A scene that made me feel that the air just before “everyday life” begins to stir holds something truly special.

A few years ago, when I rewatched the film, I tried waking up at various times, wanting to immerse myself in that special atmosphere. Through this, I discovered that this unique feeling occurs around 5:30 AM, though it can shift slightly depending on the season.
By 6:00 AM, the sense of everyday life has already taken over, and the blue has vanished. Before 5:30 AM, it’s more of a “tranquil night blue” that lacks that transparency. The special blue hour, at the boundary between night and the stirrings of the day… that is 5:30 AM.

Since then, my alarm is set for 5:30 AM. And I savor that fleeting, special blue hour.

Part 2: July 2008: Matisse’s YellowNext