Maiko Kikumaru is now wearing Yakko Shimada!

Great news! As it was expected Maiko Kikumaru started wearing Yakko Shimada, which means that she is on her way to become Geiko san. During the Kyo Odori she hosted tea ceremony and it was announced by Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu that Kikumaru has passed the exam and will be allowed to have erikae. This is super news as there have been little women who debuted as geiko in the Second Life Karyukai and even less maiko who decided to continue on and become ones. Last year it has been Kikumaru's oneesan, Kikutsuru san, who had her erikae and now the time has come for Kikumaru san as well. It has been almost 6 years since she entered Hanafusa okiya - she was officially accepted as shikomi on April 13th 2013 and debuted as maiko under Kikutsuru san on November 22nd 2013. A long way! Now let's have a look at her kitsuke as it is definitely worth a fortune.

Hairstyle: This stage is often called "yakko shimada" because of the hairstyle worn. As you already know senior maiko wear yakko shimada during formal events but they also wear it during the period before switching to the last hairstyle of a maiko - Sakkou. 

Kanzashi: The Daikan or front hanakanzashi should be auspicious, that's why most of the maiko tend to wear pine(worn last year by Kikutsuru san), crane/heron, golden or silver pine needles etc. Basically the motif must be auspicious. Maiko Kikumaru has decided to wear a metal chrysanthemum to show her appreciation for the okiya(the naming like of Hanafusa okiya is Kiku- which means "chrysanthemum"). This flower symbolizes longevity, rejuvenation and regal beauty.

The small maezashi on the left consists of precious stones and again is used for only special occasions. The comb is made of bekkou (tortoiseshell) and is a relic of the Okiya while the hairpin at the back, also made of bekkou, is a gift from her oneesan.

Kimono and Obi: Hikizuri that is worn by Maiko Kikumaru was custom made for her. It has plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, bamboo leafs and narcissus flowers design. There are also some rocks painted as well and it seems that some of flowers have grown out from the rocks.Truly masterpiece! The color of this hikizuri is subtle and gradates from blue/purple to white at the hem and sleeves. You can notice the mon(crest) of Hanafusa okiya on the sleeves and chest. 

The obi is light and the pattern on it is created with a golden silk thread which makes it very valuable piece. At the bottom you can spot the crest of the okiya Kikumaru san is from. As the Kimono has crests the Juban(underskirt) should be formal too - the one worn by Kikumaru san has golden waves on it.

Footwear: As all Maiko, Kikumaru san is wearing Okobo as soon she will have to put them aside and switch to more comfortable zouri or geta.

Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya posing on the bridge that is located in the Maruyama park of Kyoto Kagai sim

Maiko Kikumaru said: "I am forever grateful for all the support that You, dear friends and patrons, have shown me. The love and solace given to me by the Okasan Kikuyu, Oneesan Kikutsuru, my younger sister Kikune and my imouto Kikushino created the person you see now. I will continue walking on the path i have chosen 6 years ago. Yoroshiku otano moshimasu ".

We welcome everyone to witness the final months of Maiko Kikumaru as Maiko during the ozashiki and public performances that will take place this month. Please feel free to come with friends and family to witness the birth of a newest Geiko of Second life