Celebrating the transition of Maiko Kikushino

Last Sunday, 22nd of August, Hanahusa ochaya hosted a very special event - celebration of Maiko Kikushino's mizuage or her transition from Junior maiko to Senior Maiko. Kikushino san has worked really hard to get to this point. Her debut took place on May 11th  2018, so after almost 3 years and a half of being a Junior Maiko she has proved to be a true hardworking and talented flower of the Kyoko Kagai sim and Karyuaki of Second life. 

Now only her rank has changed, adding more responsibility and chores, but also her looks :

As a Senior Maiko, she will wear more subtle, mature colored kimono. For example, you can spot her now wearing delicate beige ro hikizuri with green Pampas grass tied with green summer obi. The green color of the obi sash resembles the color of the Pampas grass. 

She is now tying her obiage and tucking it into the obi - in Miyagawacho Maiko do this after becoming Senior (in other districts they might do it several moths before they become Geiko).

From now on she will no longer wear red eri collar of a Junior maiko - now her collar is fully embroidered with white thread so from afar it does look completely white. Only at the back there will be a small red piece o the collar, symbolizing that she is still in training.

Her hairstyle also changed - now she shall wear Ofuku and on special occasions, for example Shigyoshiki, she will switch to Yakko Shimada. Kanzashi are also changing - no more clustered flowers and childish motifs. The kanzashi of a Senior Maiko are more refined, less "flashy". For example, in August Junior Maiko wear Pampas grass, made from shiny material whilst Senior Maiko choose more delicate kanzahsi, that feature Asagao (morning glory). In Miyagawacho Senior Maiko do not wear Hanagushi (flower bridge), instead they wear simple kushi combs. 

During the ozashiki in her honor, Maiko Kikushino performed 2 dances for the guests and patrons.

First dance was called "Natsu no Hi" (written and choreographed by Maiko Kikushino herself).

The second dance was Yuugure ni. This version of Yuugure Ni is the standard or generic Kyomai dance style. It is taught in the private school of Performing Arts located in Gion district of Kyoto.

All five Geisha districts learn this style as well as learn their own district's spin of this dance in their local vocational schools called Nyokoba. Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi - Perform this dance using only summer fans called "uchiwa". Miyagawacho, Pontocho, and Kamishichiken - Perform this dance either using a Maiougi or a Uchiwa. Pontocho, will only use the uchiwa when performing their district's version, when dancing with a maiougi they use this style of Yuugure Ni. Kikushino chan has rehearsed this for you all today as part of her new Kyo Mai repertoire

Hanafusa okiya is proud to congratulate Kikushino chan on her achievement. From the bottom of our hears we ask you dear patrons to continue supporting her on her path