Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

❄❅❆❉❊☃ Merry Holidays from Hanafusa okiya ❄❅❆❉❊☃

 It is that time of year again when the snow is falling gently to the ground in Kyoto Kagai, this year we have a warming cottage for you to enjoy, with gifts under the tree, get your strength before you go outside to enjoy ice skating or other fun things in the Snow! - follow the landmark below, on behalf of Hanafusa Okiya we wish everyone a merry Holiday! 

 (gifts are bought for 10 Lindens and contains several items)

Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/203/140/28

First chanoyu(tea ceremony) of Maiko Kikushino

Today, Friday 4th of December, Maiko Kikushino performed her first tea ceremony for Okaasan Kikuyu and her okiya sisters. This means that soon she will be entering her saninmae rank or, in other words, soon Hanafusa okiya will celebrate Kikushino chan becoming Senior Maiko. 

Omedetou san dosu!

“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” (Okakura Kakuzō)

December Kitsuke

Geiko Kuktsuru is wearing high-class black kimono that has snowflakes and snow-covered tops of bamboo - a perfect wintery design! It is tied with bright orange obi that has auspicious motifs, for example Uchide-no-Kozuchi - the Japanese Lucky Mallet, which is one of many treasures seen carried on a takarabune or treasure ship. It is said that the mallet has the ability to alter a person’s size and the one carried by one of the seven gods of luck can even grant you wishes. 

In December, Geiko Kikumaru decided to wear an eye-catching semiformal kimono with chrysanthemums and waves on the blue background. The pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect winter design for a Geiko. It is tied with colorful stripe obi, that was bamboo. Both Kimono and Obi belong to Kikumaru san and were part of the wardrobe ordered for her erikae. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the ume(plum) blossoms on the juban.

For December Maiko Kikune san has chosen deep green hikizuri with hand-painted plum tree and bamboo leaves covered in snow. A truly winter masterpiece! Her obi has orange background with golden pattern. As senior maiko, she continues to wear Ofuku hairstyle, decorated with seasonal kanzashi. This month, her kanzashi feature bamboo leaves with special small "tablets" that will be signed by her 2 favorite kabuki actors during Kaomise soken

Maiko Kikushino is wearing beautiful maroon colored hikizuri with pine needles, momiji and gingko leaves. It is tied with beautiful golden Darari obi, that is tied each time by a skilled otokoshi or sometimes even okaasan. Her hair is decorated with special December kazashi, that feature colorful assortment of lucky charms and two two maneki(tiny blank tags), which will be autographed by her 2 favorite Kabuki actors during Kaomise Soken. This is Junior version of the kanzashi worn by maiko during December

* Kaomise soken - During the first week of December maiko visit the Minamiza theater and have the tags of the maneki kanzashi signed by their favorite kabuki actors.

Aki no Odori coming soon!

Date: Sunday 22nd of November

Time: 10-11 am slt

Lm: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/TheaterOn%20The%20Hill/193/162/37

Hanafusa okiya in cooperation with Theater on The Hill are proud to present - Aki no Odori. This 4 scenes autumn-themed odori performed by geiko san and maiko san does not only display eloquent, authentic Japanese mai-style dances but also proudly presents poetical talents of Hanafusa okiya members.

We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed first time at magnificent Theater on the Hill by maiko and geiko.

*Maiko are young ladies in training to become Geiko (i.e. Geisha). 

Their studies include history, language, poetry, dancing, music and manners. Hanafusa Okiya is their training house. The various geisha districts in Kyoto are called flower towns, hence "Hanafusa" means "bunch of flowers," which these young ladies certainly are. They have been trained carefully by their Okaasan, Geiko Kikuyu. In Second Life Hanafusa it set in the Miyagawacho district in Kyoto, Japan.

November Kitsuke

Geiko Kikutsuru

For November Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen solid beige kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Perfect kimono for autumn! Her obi is eye catching as it features strips of painted silk prepared for a kimono appearing from the dark background. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the flowers on the juban.

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru this month has decided to wear solid purple semiformal kimono with autumn water scenery - the pattern is located under the waist line and features water stream, maple leaves and golden bell-flower design. It is tied with exqusite orange obi that featured golden clouds.  

Her Katsura (wig) is decorated with a small momiji (maple)

Maiko Kikune 

Maiko Kikune's November kitsuke consists of gorgeous gradient hikizuri that has maple leafs hand painted on the lower part the hikizuri, black obi with tucked in obiage and obijime that is holding precious pocchiri. The eri (collar is is white from the embroidery on it yet at the back there still is a red part). Also she has her hairstyle is decorated with seasonal kanzashi that feature momiji (maple leafs)

Maiko Kikushino

In November you can spot Kikushino san wearing hikizuri of regal, deep purple color - a silk masterpiece kept in Hanafusa okiya warderobe. You can see momiji(maple leaf), ougi (fan) and kiku(chrysanthemum). It is held with light beige obi that has leaf design. Both kimono and obi give us feeling of autumn. The juban Kikushino san is wearing has pine needle pattern. 

October Kitsuke

 Autumn has fully conquered Kyoto Kagai sim - the trees are now dressed in beautiful brocade of red and orange while grasses have turned into yellowish hay. Maiko and and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya already performed at the annual autumn dance - Mizuekai, so now they have more time to focus on the weekly events on the sim. Only chrysanthemums, symbols of October, are quietly reigning in gardens and parks

Geiko Kikutsuru(purple) and Geiko Kikumaru(black)

Geiko Kikutsuru this month has chosen a solid purple semiformal kimono with bamboo and decorative clouds - the pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect autumn design for a Geiko. It is tied with light silver obi, that was woven maple tree branch. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the momiji leaves on the juban

Geiko Kikumaru wears striking black kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Her obi is eye catching and features Himeji castle (also known as "White heron" castle),one of the most famous castles in Japan, surrounded by autumn foliage. Her hair is decorated with metal chrysanthemum. A very stylish combination for October!

Maiko Kikune is wearing subtle beige hikizuri with green leaves, Pampas grasses and Kiku (chrysanthemums). It is tied with gorgeous black 7 meter Darari obi, that holds the kimono closely ties to the body. As she is senior maiko, she has hair hair decorated with single chrysanthemum flower, kushi(comb) and small maezashi upon the bira bira pin.

Maiko Kikushino is wearing solid green hikizuri with Chrysanthemum and Bell flower hand painted on the precious silk. It is tied with obi that has crane motif on it. In her hair you can see colorful triple chrysanthemum hanakanzashi, flowerbridge and a petit chrysantemum maezashi pin. We can see that Kikushino san is slowly switching to more senior style of kanzashi and kimono therefore it might be a sign that she is close to becoming senior maiko.

Halloween Night & Spooky Story Time - 10:00 am slt, 28th Oct.

 "In the graveyard something stirs, giggling goblins, hungry ghouls, skeletons rising from their tombs and witches on their flying brooms, silhouetted by the pale autumn moon" .. Yay! its Halloween : ) 🎃

We invite you to join us for an Autumn, Halloween treat, with games, spooky stories and delicious party food this Wednesday 28th Oct at 10:00 am.

🎃Your Halloween Uber: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/58/31

Mizuekai 2020

On October 18th Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater opened its doors to those who came to enjoy the annual Mizuekai odori  - autumn dances and poems created by Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maiko.

This year's participants were Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino

Act 1 Mizuekai Opening "Otsukimi"

This year we begin Mizuekai with a dance and story dedicated to Otsukimi celebrations. From the nobles of the Heian era to the samurai families of Edo, the moon-viewing celebrations are rooted deeply in the Japanese community. Let's continue this ancient tradition together …

Written and Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 2 "Let's Celebrate Autumn "

Enjoy an Autumn dance while listening to the Autumn themed Poems written by each Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya, let their movements bring you closer to changes within the Autumn Months..

Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 3 "Kiku no hana Hiraku"

A small tale about the Japanese people's obsession with Kiku or chrysanthemums involving the members of Hanafusa okiya as they celebrate the mid autumn times, also known as Kiku no hana Hiraku. But do chrysanthemums grow better if you sing to them?

Written and choreographed by Maiko Kikushino

Act 4 "Tsukimi Matsuri"

Through this poem we view the celebrations of Tsukimi Matsuri - the Moon viewing festival. Sit back and let the words of this story fill your mind with vivid pictures of the Moon, and tsukimi dango to be enjoyed with family and friends while searching all of the moons little dark areas, on the search for the Rabbit on the Moon.

Written and Choreographer by Maiko Kikune

Act 5 "Manzai Odori"

There is no Mizuekai without the traditional Manzai Odori, this marks the end of the 2020. Autumn dance performed in Miyagawacho.

Choreographed by Geiko Kikutsuru

Members of Hanafusa okiya would like to thank our guests, patrons and friends for coming to our Mizuekai 2020. We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year

Mizuekai 2020 coming soon!

Dear guests and readers of my blog,

Kyoto Kagai Sim is proud to present annual Autumn performance - Mizuekai. This very popular six scenes odoriperformed by geiko san and maiko san from Miyagawacho hanamachi is not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances but also proudly present poetical talents of Hanafusa okiya members.
We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed by maiko and geiko who have trained diligently all year for this recital

Date: Sunday 18th of October

Time: 11 am slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31

For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, Mizuekai (みずゑ會)  is the event at which the Miyagawacho geiko and maiko display the traditional performance techniques of the Wakayagi style of Kyomai dance, to the study of which their daily lives are devoted. Traditionally, the Mizuekai was the testing ground of the skills of apprentice dancers, and in comparison with the Kyo Odori dance event held in spring, it has a strong feeling of a recital at which the participants present the fruits of their committed training. As a result, it attracts large numbers of true aficionados of traditional dance, allowing visitors to appreciate performances of an even higher standard.

We sincerely welcome You, Your friends and family to enjoy the autumn performance.

In case you need any additional information or you would like to have Mizuekai 2020 posters, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth resident)

Late Summer celebrate friendly bonds between Japan and Italy

“Friendship knows no color, nationality, race and social level, friendship knows no age and gender, friendship knows no distance...” - Luis Alexandre Ribeiro Branco

Several days ago Hanafusa okiya geiko and maiko were invited to perform at the Grand Opening of the Camp Italia Gateway area, dedicated to friendship between the Italian and Japanese people. The performance consisted of 2 dances: "Hydrangea" (poem and dance by Geiko Kikumaru) and "Story of friendship between Japan and Italy" (story and dance created by Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino).

Camp Italia sim has a beautiful museum with interesting information and historical photos. Moreover, different buildings in addition to the stage, have been used for exhibitions, exhibition rooms, relaxation, entertainment and gastronomy. Asia san, who is the host, created an amazing atmosphere that does feel like Edo. Please visit this amazing sim for different lessons, events and of course art exhibitions

(Your taxi to camp Italia: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Camp%20Italia/127/64/23)

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a maiko?

Have you ever dreamed wearing elaborate kimonos and learning new about Japanese culture? Have you ever dreamed of walking the Kyoto streets in high wooden okobo?

If yes, than Hanafusa okiya is for you:)

You are provided with a near real life course or training in Japanese History and culture. You will learn how to be a Geiko ( term for Geisha in Kyoto)

At the moment we have open space for 4 Shikomi.

Ready to give it a try? Contact  Geiko Kikutsuru (Miehina resident) if you are interested in starting your journey in a close family such as Hanafusa, that focus on realism and quality.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/63/205/31

Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya performing at annual Yukatakai

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Gion Higashi Chaya

 Gion Higashi chaya is one of many tea houses located in Kyoto Kaga sim. During summer and early autumn months it holds ozashiki(banquets) on the kawadoko(water platform) upon the Shirakawa river and local Maiko and Geiko are invited to entertain guests. 

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/69/169/31

This weekend (Saturday, 12th of September) we invite you to the one of the last summertime ozashiki of 2020. The relaxing atmosphere of the tea house accompanied by traditional Japanese entertainers, Maiko and Geiko, will definitely make you feel the upcoming switch of seasons 

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Shinbashi Dori street

Shinbashi Dori is a street located both in RL Kyoto and SL Kytot Kaga sim. There are lots of traditional Japanese kyoto-style houses known as machiya, restaurants, retro cafes and meeting places for everyone in Gion. And of course there are tea houses where Maiko and Geiko entertain. Wo knows, maybe when you visit, you will see one quickly passing by?...

 LM for Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/107/155/31

Summer picnic in Momiji/Ume park -Sat Sept.5th @ 11:00 a.m.

Summer is slowly coming to and end but you can still enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park with Geiko and Maiko. We invite you to join us for a brief time among the hydrangea, butterflies and a cheerful stream. We look forward to meeting new and old friends soon

Time&Date: Saturday 5th of September, 11 am slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/92/49/30

September Kitsuke of Hanafusa Geiko and Maiko

Autumn is around the corner, yet in Japan September is considered a Summer month. So do not hesitate to visit Kyoto Kagai sim to enjoy the last warm summery days and as well as the company of Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya.

Now lets talk about the September  kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya ladies :)

Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikumaru

Atatori of Hanafusa Okiya Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen subtle navy blue kimono with design featuring summer flowers. It is tied with obi that has distinctive pattern known in japanese as "Kikko Mon". This pattern is a geometric pattern made up of many regular hexagons. It is considered auspicious as it resembles the geometrical pattern of the tortoise shell and tortoise are conspired to be the symbols for wisdom, luck, protection, and longevity; old beliefs mention that "Kame" unites heaven and earth, with its shell representing heaven and its square underside representing earth.
Her Katsura is decorated with white rabbit maezashi (as soon there will be "otsukimi" or moon viewing festival) and kushi. At the back there is Tama with nephrite.

Geiko Kikumaru is wearing dlicate pink kimono with flowers on uchiwa (summer fan) and a river design. Kawa(river) or winding stream represents continuity and the future. It also has a cooling affect on the viewer. Uchiwa with peonies, chrysanthemums, momiji and other plants and flowers is more of combined design, that can be worn from late spring till autumn. The green obi with golden geometrical pattern goes well with the kimono and is tied in a taiko musubi knot.
Her hair is decorated with Asagao hairpin, that is flower symbol of September. Morning glory flower is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan and can be seen on the kimono and pins from June till September.

Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino

For September Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle white hikizuri. The design is Susuki or pampass grass and is worn from August to October. It is simple but elegant grass that is an essential decoration for otsukimi, the mid-autumn moon viewing festival. It is tied with bright green darari obi that goes well with hikizuri. Obiage is tucked into the obi - it is custom in Miyagwacho for their Maiko to start tucking obiage right after becoming Senior. 

Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and is decorated with big Kikyou hanakanzashi, kushi, smaller kikyou maezashi, bira bira kanzashi, hirauchi and nephrite tama.

In September you can see Maiko Kikushino wearing light hikizuri with colorful "tonbo" or dragonfly design all over the kimono. Another old name for dragonfly is “katsumushi” - victory insect, which made dragonflies symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. As a seasonal symbol, the dragonfly is associated with late summer and early autumn. The Darari obi, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is bright orange with dancing fan motif. 

Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu (this hairstyle is only worn by minarai and junior maiko) and is decorated with fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower). 

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Tatsumi Shrine

In ancient city of Kyoto, on the Shirakawa-minami-dori street, famous for its expensive and luxurious tea houses, a small shrine is located. Local legend tells that centuries ago locals had big problem with tanuki(racoon dog), who lived under the Tatsumi bridge nearby. Tanuki caused used to attack those who were passing by and made them fall into water of the Shirakawa channel. It was decided that a shrine could be a solution therefore a small shrine was built beside the bridge. And the funny thing is that after the shrine was built, there were no problems with tanuki what so ever. The name of the shrine is Tatsumi Jinja.

Nowadays, Tatsumi bashi (bridge) and Tatsumi Jinja are considered to be one of the most picturesque places in Kyoto and even Japan. If you are lucky, you can spot a maiko or a geiko walking to their appointments

Second life hosts a copy of the Tatsumi Jinja and other scenic places located in Kyoto Kagai sim. 

LM to Tatsumi shrine and Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/67/203/31

Historic tour around Miyagawacho Hanamachi (Saturday 29th 11 am slt )

 Deep in the heart of Kyoto Kagai lays Miyagawacho hanamachi, one of the 5 geiko (Kyoto word for geisha) districts in Kyoto. This Saturday we invite You, Your family and friends to join Maiko Kikune (Hanafusa okiya) for a relaxing historical tour around Miyagawacho Hanamachi, its history and traditions ^_^ 

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/247/31

Ghostly story time coming this Wednesday 👻

When the summer evenings get too hot, it is time for Japanese ghost folklore. Just imagine - you enter an old house that seems empty yet you can feel that there is somebody watching your every move...Come and join us for Ghostly story time this Wednesday👻

Date&Time: August Wed.19th, 10 am slt

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/77/46/32

Obon celebrations at Kyoto Kagai sim

What can be better than an event where you can play games, win different prizes, eat delicious fatty and sweet stall foods, dance an ancient dance and when night comes gather with friends and tell scary stories?! Yes, its August and time for Obon celebrations in Kyoto Kagai sim.
This year's celebrations are going to be enormous! Sooo many things to try, so many games to play and soo many stories to hear from members of Hanafusa okiya or maybe you would like to share one as well?
Date: Saturday 15th of August
Time: 10 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/63/205/31

Hassaku 2020

1st of August is always one of the most busy and important days in August for Hanafusa okiya members as this is the day of Hassaku. What is Hassaku and why is it considered that important? Well, it is similar to greeting rounds that take place in winter (Shin Aishatsu) but, of course, there are several differences. So, every year on this hot summer day, all okiya members from Miyagawacho Hanamachi dress up in their casual komon or iromuji and go on rounds, paying respects to teachers, establishments and sometimes long time patrons. Indeed, it takes time to make all visits and greet people that play important if not major part in the life of the okiya - kimono makers, local shop keepers, kanzashi makers, tea house owners, teachers, fan and prop makers etc. This is same, both for Rl and SL, as Hanafusa okiya tries to keep all the traditions, being as realistic as possible.
If you have seen pictures from Hassaku, you might have noticed that some Maiko and Geiko wear most formal kimono called kuromontsuki while others (as do Hanafusa maiko on the picture) - simpler kimono and no make up. So who wears what during Hassaku?
Gion Kobu: Maiko san and Geiko san from Gion Kobu hanamachi wear formal regalia (kuromontsuki with 5 crests of the okiya and formal obi, formal make up with 3 stripes, tortoise shell kanzashi alongside with august pampas hanakanzashi; in case or senior maiko hairstyle is called Yakko Shimada, while junior maiko wear their hair styled in Wareshinobu).
Gion Higashi: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Kamishichiken: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Miyagawacho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Pontocho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
This is one of the best times to see the members of Kagai, as they flow through streets in small groups. Also, this is a good time for you to notice the changes that have occurred since springtime odori's: who has become senior, new members or who has returned to kagai etc. This year has showed us that Hanafusa okiya of SL has been doing quite well - there are 2 active Geiko and 2 active Maiko. Looks like there will be some some good changes this year as well, but those are still rumors :) 

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino(green), Geiko Kikumaru(light blue),
Geiko Kikutsuru(beige) and Maiko Kikune(purple)

August Kitsuke

Mid-August in Kyoto Kagai...Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya are enjoying a beautiful walk around the decorated Tanabata area (close to Tenmangu-ji) in their semiformal garments and this means the time has come for our monthly kitsuke post!
P.S. Don't forget about Tanabata and Obon that will take place this month, take your friends and family with you as there will be fun for children as well as adults! 

Geiko Kikutsuru

 

Geiko Kikutsuru's semiformal ro kimono for August features gorgeous river and willow design on a beige background. For centuries Willow was associated with Geiko and Maiko world and is a symbol of grace and strength. This kimono is exclusive and one of the kind, and belongs solemnly to Kikutsuru san.
Green obi, with Kikyou (bell-flower) and several Asagao (morning glory) flower design, holds the kimono close. Both flowers are used in summer kimono and obi designs and patterns right up until end of September. The obi is tied in Taiko Musubi knot
Her Juban (underskirt) has a design created in Shibori technique (is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, which produces patterns on fabric). 

Her katsura (wig) is decorated with small maezashi hairpin, kushi made from light wood and jade tama at the back.
Geiko have bigger choice in footwear than maiko - they can choose between several types of geta or comfortable zori, when weather is rainy/the area where they will be requires them to wear footwear.

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru's semiformal outfit for August features water flows and summer flowers on the deep turquoise background. This kimono can be worn from beginning of summer right up until September.
Is it tied with exquisite woven silk obi that has styles golden flower on it. This piece belongs to Kikumaru san and was created for her by a famous Second life kimono artist.
As all Geiko wear wigs styled in style worn by married women in Edo, the decorations are also limited - maezashi at the front, a comb and seasonal tama at the back.
In her hands she is holding a kago on the day of her debut as geiko and has her name embroidered on it. As you might have noticed already both Geiko and Maiko are holding their kago, there they keep things that can be needed during ozahsiki - spare tabi socks, several fans, lipstic, comb, white powder, compact mirror etc.

Maiko Kikune

Senior Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle purple ro hikizuri for August. You need to look closely to admire the intricate flowery design that goes all over the kimono.

It is tied with black darari obi that goes well with hikizuri. The design on the obi features the iconic summer sight - the lit up paper lanterns of the Gion Matsuri Festival.
Obiage is tucked into the obi - it is custom in Miyagwacho for their Maiko to start tucking obiage right after becoming Senior. It is different in other Hanamachi, for example in Gion Kobu Maiko start tying obiage when they preparing for erikae.
Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and decorated with seasonal Asagao (morning glory) hanakanzashi, kushi (comb), smaller asagao maezashi, bira bira kanzashi at the front as well as hirauchi and jade tama at the back of the hair.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino, who is the youngest Maiko in the okiya, is wearing beautiful bright blue hikizuri with hand-painted goldfish and water circles design. Kikushino has stepped into her 3rd year as Maiko which means that soon enough she will have to give up all her junior maiko kimonos. Who knows :) 

It is tied with long white darari obi. This obi is sister version of the one worn by her neesan maiko Kikune - it features famous paper lanterns of Gion Matsuri festival but during the day.

Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu - Junior Maiko hairstyle and is crowned with silver color flower which actually is pampass grass designed in as if it is a flower. It is another seasonal motif for kanzashi apart from Asagao, that is worn mostly by Senior maiko. At the back she is wearing Kanakodome and Tachibana pin - these are distinctive details that can tell that it is a Junior Maiko has just passed by you :)

Konchiki Ondo 2020

Dear reader of Hanafusa okiya blog,

As in rl Kyoto Kagai, our sim as well as it's maiko and geiko members, take part in Gion Matsuri celebrations. Every year after the Hanagasa Junko parade, Maiko san from Miyagawacho perform a dance called Konchiki ondo. The name of the dance comes from distinctive Konchiki chain of Gion Bayashi folk music. They wore special white thin kimono with hakata obi (obi sash with hakata-ori textile) which was pink against a white background in Ushiromi musubi (a way of knotting the obi sash) style. In their hands they hold an uchiwa fan with crests of the Gion festival and the Yasaka shrine.

This year Maiko Kikushino was spotted wearing Yakko Shimada for the first time. This hairtyle is reserved for the senior maiko but in Miyagawacho, when a girl is close to her mizuage she can get a special permission to start switching to more senior kimono and hanakanzashi. Her main hairstyle will remain Warshinobu until after the mizuage.

After the dance, guests were able to make memorable photos with members from Hanafusa okiya.

This year's performers were Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino

Storytime this coming Wednesday at 7 am slt (^_^)

We invite you to come and enjoy refreshing moment with us on the river as an ancient tale of life under the sea is presented by Kikushino chan. The soothing sounds of the Kamo river will enhance the stories effect. We hope you will be able to join with us on this underwater tale.  We are very excited to see you all ^_^

DATE & LOCATION:
Wednesday, 29th July @ 7:00 a.m.
Kamo Kawa Riverboat - Kyoto Kagai

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/38/121/27

Gion Matsuri (Konchiki Ondo) coming this week!

To mark the end of Gion Matsuri celebrations, Maiko san from Miyagawacho Hanamachi will perform special dance called Konchiki ondo at the Yasaka Jinja pavilion. We welcome You and we also welcome your friends and family to join us on this special day in Kyoto Kagai sim.

Date: Friday, 24th of July

Time: 10.30 am slt
After the performance photos with Maiko san can be taken :)

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/167/237/34

P.S. If you would like to have poster, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) in Second Life, she will be happy to help you. For this year's Gion Matsuri poster was chosen Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya (SL).

Yukatakai 2020

Yesterday Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater held summer odori, know as Yukatakai. For those who do not know, this is annual event, in which maiko and geiko of Kyoto kagai sim participate in. 

For those honorable guests and patrons who couldn't come but extremely wished to, here is a small description of the acts. Please enjoy :)

Act 1: "Hayashi"

Once a year the Karyukai showcase their Musical skills on instruments that is seldom seen during the weekly events held in the Hanamachi

Scene 2 "Tanabata no Ondo"

A precious memory has been saved during this dance, as we follow the Hanafusa family celebrating Tanabata - the Festival of the Stars

Scene 3 "Kyo no Natsu"

In this dance a memory from each of the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya is written in a poetic form to be shared with you

Scene 4 "Obon Odori"

Obon the festival of the ancestors is celebrated each Summer in Japan. This dance brings you to the celebrations of the Hanafusa family, from the time they wake up in the morning until the fireworks have lighted up the streets in the evening

Scene 5 "Natsu wa Hotaru"

Marking the end of this years Yukata Kai, the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya is performing together a Summer dance using a Summer fan known as  Uchiwa with the crest of their Okiya and their names painted on

July Kitsuke

Hanafusa Okiya Members in their July's semiformal attires

👘 Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing gorgeous gradient kimono with morning glory flowers on the fence design. Morning Glory is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan. Her obi is eye-catching and is a unique piece, created by weaving beige and golden threads and created specially for her Erikae. Also her juban undergarment has blue summer flowers Nadeshiko, which is also a unique piece. In her hands she's holding a kago basket of pink color that resembles the color of some Asagao (morning glory flowers) on her kimono's hem. On her feet you can notice Rikyu Geta, and not the most commonly worn Atomaru geta
👘 Geiko Kikumaru's July semiformal attire consists of light blue kimono with golden clouds and colorful botan (peonies) and a golden woven obi that goes perfect with the kimono. Classically, botan is associated with summer (especially early summer) as that is when the flowers bloom naturally but there are some types that bloom in Autumn and even Winer. As all geiko in Kyoto she is wearing a wig styled in Geisha Shimada style. It also needs to be appropriately decorated - Kikumaru san has chosen a transparent silver comb depicting waves and a small gold peony maezashi pin. For July she has chosen Rikyu Geta as well as her oneesan, Geiko Kikutsuru
👘 In July you can spot Maiko Kikune wearing a gradient kimono that goes from pink at the top to blue at the hem - a beautiful summer creation from the Isomesh kimono shop. Carefully hand-painted water lily design are located on the sleeves and under the waist, reminding us that this piece can only be worn by a senior maiko. It is ties with a subtle green Ro obi. Her hair is decorated with same hanakanzashi as her younger sister's Kikushino except at the back Kikune san is wearing Kushi(comb) while Kikushino san - hanagushi (flower bridge).
👘 Maiko Kikushino is wearing dark purple hikizuri depicts pond with pure blue water and lilies growing in it. It is a pity that this masterpiece can only be worn in summer! The obi is simpler yet is also worth attention - it is ro with blue hydrangea flowers and hexagonal pattern. In her hands she is holding special kago bag that she firstly used during her misedashi - it has her name  kanji embroidered with silver. Kikushino san's hairstyle is wareshinobu and, as I have mentioned in my previous posts, Junior Maiko do not change their hairstyle right until the become seniors. Decorated with hanakanazashi that feature summer flowers and several small uchiwa, Kikushino san is an embodiment of summer!

Yukatakai 2020 coming soon!

On Saturday 18th of July Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya will perform in the Summer odori - Yukata Kai. You are welcome to come enjoy this 5 act performance.

･:*:･ﾟ☆   Time of arrival: 10.15 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori begin: 10.30 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori ends: 11.50 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆    Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31

Pictures after are to be taken in the room between exit and theater audience room. Maiko will attend photo shoot. During performance you may take pictures as long as they do not interfere the performance.

In case you would like to receive a poster, please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) inworld.

Storytime with Maiko Kikushino on Kamo river

We have now entered summer which means that more events will take place outdoors. Storytelling is one of the event most favored by our guests and last week it was decided to take place on a boat. Just look at the irises, lanterns and fireflies around it? What can be more magical than this?

You are welcome to visit our Kyoto Kagai sim for an alternative day out
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/39/116/28