Hassaku 2025

We are pleased to announce that the traditional Hassaku event took place on August 2nd with great enthusiasm and reverence. During this auspicious occasion, the renowned maiko and geiko of our esteemed community had the honor of visiting their respected teachers and esteemed tea house proprietresses.

In the spirit of cultural preservation and gratitude, Geiko sna and Maiko san from Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas embarked on a journey to pay their respects and seek guidance from their mentors. This cherished tradition not only strengthens the bond between teachers and students but also upholds the rich heritage of Japanese traditional art and culture.

The Hassaku event, with its deep-rooted significance, reflects the commitment and dedication of Kyoto Kagai maiko and geiko, dressed in the finest iromuji kimono, to their craft. It serves as a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their sincere appreciation for the wisdom bestowed upon them.

Photo by Maiko Toshichiyo (Komayaka okiya)

Yukatakai 2025 coming soon to Kyoto Kagai sim!

Poster created by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha

Dear friends and patrons,

We’re happy to share some exciting news!

The much-anticipated Yukatakai (Summer Dance Performance) is just around the corner at Second Life Kyoto Kagai Sim. This annual event is a special opportunity to enjoy the beauty of summer through traditional dance and music performed by our Maiko and Geiko.

Wearing their light summer yukata, the Maiko and Geiko of Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya will take the stage in a six-act performance inspired by the changing seasons and Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Alongside their dances, they will also showcase their musical talents—playing the shamisen, flute, and traditional Japanese drums such as the kotsuzumi and ōtsuzumi.

Whether you’re visiting Kyoto Kagai Sim for the first time or have joined us before, this is a lovely chance to experience the charm and atmosphere of a summer evening in the virtual Kagai.

･:*:･ﾟ☆   Date: August 30th (Saturday)

･:*:･ﾟ☆   Time of arrival: 09.45 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori begin: 10.00 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori ends: 11.00 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆    Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31

After the performance you can take photos with Maiko san and Geiko san. During performance you may take pictures as long as they do not interfere the performance.

Summer poem

On a quiet summer boat,

a Geiko stands still,

her eyes fixed on the shimmering horizon,

soft light reflecting in their depths.

Is she waiting for someone special?

Geiko Kikumaru 
~Photo taken in Aperture viewer~

Cuteness overload! 💕

 Maiko Kikuno from Hanafusa okiya and Minarai Toshikimi from Komayaka okiya — too much charm in one photo! 👘✨

Maiko Kikuno(left) and Minarai Toshikimi (right)

Beergarden event in Kyoto Kagai sim

Last week, the Kyoto Kagai SIM hosted a vibrant Beer Garden event, organized by the Hanafusa okiya, blending seasonal fun with the elegance of the hanamachi. Set beneath the warm glow of lanterns, the atmosphere was relaxed and festive — a much-needed escape from the midsummer heat.

Guests gathered to enjoy cold drinks, laughter, and easy conversation with the Hanafusa geiko and maiko. Whether it was a crisp beer or a chilled glass of umeshu, every drink seemed to taste better shared with friends — and with the company of Geiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikumaru, and Maiko Kikuno, who moved from table to table, chatting and making everyone feel welcome. 🍺🍶✨

As evening deepened, everyone was invited to the stage for the highlight of the night — a beautiful performance featuring four traditional dances.

Maiko Kikuno took the stage first, graceful and full of seasonal charm. She was joined by Geiko Kikushino, whose refined, steady movements reflected years of experience. The dances were accompanied by Geiko Kikumaru on shamisen, her subtle and expressive playing adding depth and emotion to every step. 🎶👘

It was a moment where the elegance of Kyoto’s geisha culture met the lighthearted fun of summer — a reminder of how tradition and community can come together, even in a digital world.

For those who couldn’t attend — here are some photos from this special night.

We hope they capture a little of the magic shared in Kyoto’s Kagai, right here in Second Life. 🌸📷

Evening at Hanafusa Okiya in Kyoto Kagai-sim (Second Life)

A quiet hush settles over Hanafusa Okiya, the traditional boarding house for maiko and geiko in the beautifully recreated Kyoto Kagai Sim in Second Life. The lights glow softly, but the house is still — its residents are away for the evening, performing at tea houses and events throughout the hanamachi.

Above the entrance doors, a row of wooden nameplates marks the names of those who belong to the okiya. Each plate carries the professional name of a maiko or geiko — a quiet sign of their presence and connection to the house. Among them, one catches the eye: a pale, newly placed nameplate bearing the name Kikuno, a recently debuted maiko whose journey in the world of traditional arts has just begun.

Though silent now, the okiya feels full — holding memories, stories, and the gentle anticipation of its residents returning home once more.

If you’re passionate about Japanese culture and Kyoto’s timeless traditions, and want to explore what it means to be a maiko in Second Life, Kyoto Kagai warmly invites respectful visitors and curious newcomers to discover this vibrant world. Your adventure could begin here

Visit Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31

Hanafusa okiya at night (Kyoto Kagai Sim)

Event in Maiko theater

 Yesterday, visitors from around the world gathered virtually in Second Life to experience the elegance of Kyoto’s hanamachi culture at the Kyoto Kagai-sim Maiko Theater.

Guests enjoyed a beautifully choreographed Kyomai dance performance by maiko and geiko avatars, followed by a relaxed Q&A session where attendees could ask about their kimono, seasonal hair ornaments, daily life, and their path in the traditional arts. The atmosphere was welcoming and open — a space where everyone could feel at ease and connect.

🎭 On the second floor, there's a permanent museum dedicated to the world of the Karyūkai (“flower and willow world”). It's always open for exploration and features detailed exhibits on kimono, shamisen, kanzashi, and the refined culture of Kyoto’s geisha districts — all lovingly recreated in Second Life.

Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, Kyoto Kagai-sim offers a unique and immersive way to experience Japanese tradition in the virtual world 

Musicians: Geiko Kikumaru(shamisen) and Geiko Kikushino(flute)
Dancers: Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikuno

Gion Kouta performed by Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikuno

Gion Kouta performed by Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikuno

Gion Kouta performed by Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikuno

Geiko Kiksuhino performing for guests

Evening at Maruyama Park (Kyoto Kagai sim)

 A Geiko stands by the pond, watching lanterns float softly across the water.

Their warm light touches her face as she quietly thinks of the wishes yet to come.

The stars are shining bright tonight, and with Tanabata just ahead, the air feels full of calm anticipation.

Wrapped in silk and quiet stillness, she embraces the gentle magic of the evening ✨

Evening at Maruyama Park ✨
Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/112/221/33

Geiko Kikumaru at Maruyama Park (Kyoto Kagai sim)
Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/112/221/33

SL22B Performance! Sat, 21st 🌸 10 am

 Honored patrons and dear friends,

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the geiko and maiko of Kyoto Kagai sim will be performing at SL22B to celebrate Second Life’s 22nd birthday! 🎉 Join us on Saturday, June 21st, at 10 am SLT, for a breathtaking performance that showcases the timeless elegance and artistry of Kyoto’s traditional performers.

The geiko and maiko will bring to life the beauty of Kyoto’s cultural heritage, with every movement steeped in tradition and grace. It’s an experience that will transport you into the heart of Kyoto’s iconic entertainment district, right here in Second Life.

We invite you to join us in this special celebration of both Second Life’s amazing journey and the artistry of Kyoto Kagai sim.

We can’t wait to share this unforgettable moment with you! 🌸✨

Poster by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka Okiya, Kyoto Kagai sim)

Aperture Viewer Launch Party

 Have you heard about the Aperture Viewer yet? Imagine combining the powerful features of Firestorm with the impressive photo capabilities of Black Dragon — that's what Aperture Viewer brings to the table!

It also includes the Poser function that was originally part of Black Dragon, now integrated into the Firestorm Beta viewer. If you're a photographer, this is definitely something you'll want to check out.

And the best part? To celebrate the official launch, we’re thrilled to announce that the geiko and maiko of the Kyoto sim will be performing live! It’s going to be an incredible event, and we can’t wait to see you there.

Date&Time: Saturday, June7th 5-7 pm

Taxi: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellezzamora/134/195/36

Poster by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha(Komayaka Okiya, Kyoto Kagai sim)

Kyo Odori 2025 - See you again in 2026

 Kyo Odori season is officially over!, The Geiko and Maiko are now busy preparing for the upcoming Summer events, we hope to see you there. As for Kyo odori we will see you again in 2026 for that ^_^

Street view of Kyoto Kagai sim

Kyo Odori 2025 starting tomorrow!

Kyo Odori 2025 - Tea ceremony starts 9:20 - Odori start - 10.00 am slt - April 26th - Saturday

Tomorrow all the Geiko and Maiko from Kyoto Kagai sim are inviting you to join them for the largest Spring performance of the year, at their kaburenjo (theatre) in Kyoto Kagai (Second Life)

Your Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/187/201/31

Photo by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka Okiya)

Minarai debut ozashiki at Hanafusa okiya

What an unforgettable evening we had yesterday at Hanahusa Ochaya, as we celebrated the debut of Shikomi Shion, now known as Kikuno, as a Minarai. The event was a beautiful showcase of her grace, poise, and dedication to the traditions of Kyoto Kagai in Second Life.

As Kikuno took her first steps into the world of the geiko and maiko community, it was clear that her hard work and commitment to mastering the art of Kyoto’s culture will guide her toward an incredible future. From her stunning attire to the graceful movements she displayed, tonight’s Ozashiki was a perfect reflection of the beauty and artistry that define the Kyoto Kagai tradition.

✨ We are so proud of Kikuno’s achievement and look forward to watching her journey unfold as she moves closer to becoming a Maiko. ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration! It was a night to remember, and we can’t wait to share more milestones on Kikuno’s path.

🌸 Ookini! 🌸

from left to right: Geiko Kikushino, Minarai Kikuno and Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru

Congradulations!

First dance of Kikuno san as Minarai!

Minarai debut in Hanafusa okiya!

 🌸 Congratulations to Shikomi Shion! 🌸

Minarai Kikuno

We are incredibly proud to announce that Shikomi Shion, a talented member of Hanafusa Okiya, has passed the rigorous exam and is now officially debuting as Minarai in the virtual world of Second Life! This is a monumental step in her journey, and her geimei will be Kikuno, a name that will soon resonate with elegance and grace in Kyoto Kagai’s virtual community.

To celebrate this special occasion, we invite you to join us tonight for a Minarai debut Ozashiki at Hanahusa Ochaya. This intimate event marks the beginning of Shion’s path toward becoming a full-fledged Maiko in Second Life, and we are excited to share this moment with all of you.

✨ Shion’s debut is a testament to her dedication to mastering the traditions of Kyoto Kagai’s geiko culture, brought to life in Second Life. ✨

Join us to honor Kikuno and witness her first steps as a rising star in the virtual world of Kyoto Kagai. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌸

Fantasy Fair performance coming soon!

Poster by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha