Shigyoshiki Opening Ceremony

 Dear Friends and Honored Patrons,

It is with great respect and heartfelt joy that we invite you to join us—the geiko and maiko of Kyoto Sim’s Miyagawacho Hanamachi—for our annual Shigyoshiki ceremony.

Shigyoshiki is a traditional vows and awards ceremony that honors the dedication, growth, and hard work of each member of our hanamachi over the past year. This meaningful occasion also marks the formal opening of the New Year for the Flower and Willow world, symbolizing renewal, commitment, and the continuation of our shared cultural path. ㊗️

Your presence would truly grace this celebration, and it would be our honor to welcome you as we begin the year together in the spirit of tradition and community. 🎍

Your Taxi: 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/189/202/31

We sincerely hope you will be able to attend and share in this special moment with us.

With deepest respect,

Geiko and Maiko from Kyoto Kagai sim

Visiting a shrine at 天晴 APPARE!

 The New Year in Japan begins with Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year—a meaningful tradition centered on reflection, gratitude, and welcoming good fortune. This cherished custom was beautifully brought to life in Second Life during 天晴 APPARE!, a special event dedicated to celebrating the charm, artistry, and traditions of Japanese culture.

As part of the event, Geiko Kikumaru-san and Maiko Kikuno-san from Hanafusa Okiya made a graceful Hatsumode visit to the shrine at Appare. Dressed in elegant kimono, their presence captured the timeless beauty and refinement of geiko and maiko traditions, creating a moment of quiet beauty and cultural depth within the virtual space.

Visitors gathered to share in the serene atmosphere, offering prayers for health, happiness, and success in the year ahead. The shrine setting at Appare was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of a traditional New Year shrine visit, allowing residents from around the world to experience Hatsumode together in Second Life.

Beyond cultural immersion, 天晴 APPARE! also features a vibrant marketplace. Guests can purchase exclusive items created especially for Appare by talented Second Life designers, including traditional-inspired fashion, accessories, and décor. These limited-edition items are only available during the event, making them unique keepsakes and a wonderful way to support the creative community.

天晴 APPARE! is more than an event—it is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and connection. Through experiences like this Hatsumode visit, Second Life becomes a place where Japanese culture is honored, shared, and reimagined for a global audience.

As the New Year begins, may the spirit of Hatsumode bring renewed hope, good fortune, and many beautiful moments—both in Second Life and beyond. 🌸

🌸 Photos by Maiko Kikuno 🌸 

Happy New Year from Hanafusa okiya!

As we begin 2026, the Year of the Horse, we want to take a moment to thank everyone for your support over the past year. Your encouragement and appreciation for Kyoto’s traditions and the world of the Kagai mean so much to us.

Because of your support, we can continue sharing the beauty, artistry, and culture we love. From the quiet grace of everyday traditions to the elegance of geiko and maiko, your presence makes these experiences even more meaningful.

The Year of the Horse is said to bring energy, strength, and forward momentum. We hope 2026 brings you happiness, health, and many joyful moments, and that it inspires new beginnings and discoveries along the way.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for sharing in the moments we create together. We look forward to another wonderful year with you.

With gratitude,

The Members of Hanafusa Okiya