Maiko Kikumaru is now wearing Sakkou!

Another amazing news coming from Hanafusa okiya - oneesan of Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikumaru was spotted wearing formal attire with hair hair styled into Sakkou hairstyle. This means that in about a month Hanafusa okiya will have new Geiko. Just like Kikutsuru san last year, erikae celebrations will take place in summer and we encourage You to come and witness this extremely rare event in the life of the Second Life Karyukai

Now lets have a look at the outfit that Kikumaru san will wear during her sakkou stage:

• Hair: during this last month as a maiko, a very special Sakkou (also known as saki kogai) hairstyle is worn and that is why this stage if often called "sakkou". Before it was adopted by Karyukai, it was worn by the brides-to-be during the Edo era and it signified a dedication for a future husband. Nowadays, by wearing sakkou geiko-to-be shows her dedication for the profession and willingness to continue as part of the Karyukai. As you can see, from the front it does remind a normal Maiko hairstyle(such as ofuku or wareshinobu) but if you look at the back you will notice how extravagant this hairstyle really is - elegant and smooth lines of hair, decorated with silver wires and red bands. Truly, a masterpiece! 
• Kanzashi: specially ordered custom made daikan kanzashi crowns the hair of Maiko Kikumaru - it features crane flying upon a golden ship, pine and water. all of these elements are considered lucky and are to bring good fortune. 2 bekkou hairpins were gifted to her by her oneesan Maiko Kikutsuru and the comb is Hanafusa okiya's antique. 
• Make up: Formal make up with three lines at the back is worn and you can notice that there is more black and almost none pink, meaning she is now a mature lady
• Eri(collar): with formal sakkou looks also comes special eri that has red background with beautiful golden embroidery(small golden dots)
• Kimono and obi: as Sakkou stage is considered a highly formal occasion, Kikumaru san will be wearing most ceremonial, custom made black kuromontsuki that has 5 Hanafusa crests on it. This masterpiece features tsuru(cranes) flying upon the waves. It is tied with white and golden obi that has fan flower motif. Now you can notice that the kimono piece and daikan kanzashi are matching together and it does look like one of the cranes from the kuromontsuki flew towards the ship.
• Kago: this type of kago, worn by maiko Kikumaru, was gifted to her by okaasan Kikuyu way back in 2013 when Kikumaru san made her debut as Maiko. By wearing this kago during last month as Maiko, Kikumaru san shows her appreciation for Hanafusa okiya

Maiko Kikumaru posing in the park of Kyoto Kagai sim

Kikumaru san said: "From the bottom of my heart I would like to welcome you, your family and friends to take part in the celebrations of Kyoto Kagai sim that will take place this month. By performing Kurokami (my last dance as a Maiko) during this month i would like to thank you for the support and love that you have given me. Ookini san dosu"